Peeping Tom laws—also known as voyeurism laws or invasion of privacy laws—generally make it illegal and a criminal offense to peek into windows or doors on private property to view a person who is fully or partially naked for the purpose of sexual desire or gratification.

Peeping Tom laws vary from state to state and some states require that the victim not realize he or she was being viewed and that the victim had a reasonable expectation of privacy (was in a place where it was reasonable to expect privacy). And some states specifically address the use of unmanned aircraft (drones), cameras, video cameras, and binoculars in connection with such peeping. Some state statutes specifically prohibit peeking into bathrooms, dressing rooms, showers, and baths. And some states characterize this criminal offense as trespassing with the intent to peer or peep.

Peeping Tom laws are located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Arkansas, Peeping Tom laws are addressed under Arkansas Code Annotated § 5-16-101, which makes it unlawful for any person to unlawfully engage in voyeurism. Voyeurism is defined as observing, photographing, videotaping, filming, or recording by any means, or broadcasting live, a person present in a private place without the consent of the person for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification. This law covers situations where the individual being observed has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in bathrooms, bedrooms, changing rooms, or any other place where one would expect privacy. The use of any device, including drones and cameras, to commit such acts is also prohibited. Violation of these laws is considered a Class D felony if the victim is a minor and a Class A misdemeanor if the victim is an adult. Additionally, Arkansas law addresses trespassing with the intent to engage in voyeurism, which can lead to criminal charges and penalties.