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 Nebraska, Peeping Tom laws are addressed under the state's invasion of privacy statutes. Nebraska Revised Statute 28-311.08 defines 'Invasion of Privacy' as knowingly intruding upon another person's privacy by trespassing on their property with the intent to intrude upon their personal privacy or personal or sexual intimacy. This includes peeping into windows or doors of a dwelling or any other place where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, with the intent of spying upon or invading the privacy of the person or persons inside. It is considered a Class I misdemeanor. Nebraska law does not specifically mention the use of technology such as drones or cameras in its invasion of privacy statute, but the use of such devices could still fall under the general prohibition of invading someone's privacy. Additionally, the state's criminal trespass law, under Nebraska Revised Statute 28-520, could also apply to situations where an individual trespasses with the intent to peer or peep, potentially elevating the offense depending on the circumstances.