| System | Privacy Strength | Notes | |--------|----------------|-------| | (Ubiquiti) | Very high – local only, no cloud requirement | Expensive, requires technical setup | | Reolink (NVR or SD card models) | High – local storage, optional cloud | Good value, limited audio privacy controls | | Eufy (indoor/local models) | Medium – local but some past privacy issues (2022-23) | Affordable; disable “cloud relay” | | Axis Communications | Very high – enterprise, no cloud | Very expensive, used by privacy-focused orgs | | Avoid: Ring, Wyze (cloud-only), Google Nest | Low – cloud surveillance business model | Convenient but poor privacy |

Home security cameras deter crime, provide evidence, and offer peace of mind. However, they can also intrude on the reasonable privacy expectations of neighbors, passersby, domestic workers, and even family members. Mismanagement can lead to legal liability, harassment claims, or even violating wiretapping laws.

: Look for small, unusual holes in walls or objects, or wires that don’t seem to belong to any known device. Common hiding spots include smoke detectors, wall clocks, and power outlets.