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 Oregon, Peeping Tom laws are addressed under the state's invasion of privacy statutes. Oregon law makes it a crime to secretly watch, photograph, or record another person in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct when that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes situations where individuals are in places such as bathrooms, dressing rooms, or their own homes. The law applies to direct viewing as well as the use of devices like cameras and binoculars. Additionally, Oregon has laws concerning the use of drones for such activities, prohibiting the use of unmanned aircraft systems to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly photograph or record an individual in a place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violations of these laws can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances and the presence of any aggravating factors, such as prior convictions or the age of the victim.