Bystander privacy and recording others

Stealward watches a public-ish space, so it may capture other people. We’ve designed it to be considerate, and there’s one responsibility that stays with you.

People walking past see a cover, not a camera feed

While a session is active, the watching device shows a calm cover — never the live camera feed. Anyone passing by just sees that the device is monitored. The footage itself is end-to-end encrypted, so only your own devices can ever open it. Bystanders aren’t put on display, and no one but you can watch what was recorded.

Recording others is your responsibility

Because Stealward records video and audio of the area around your device, it can capture other people. Laws on recording people vary by location, and audio recording in particular can require the consent of those recorded.

You are solely responsible for using Stealward lawfully where you are, including getting any consent that’s required, and you should not use it where recording is prohibited. This is important enough that it’s also spelled out in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

A good-neighbor setup

• Aim the camera at your belongings, not at people or a wider room than you need.
• Use it where you have a reasonable expectation of being able to record.
• If you’re somewhere that restricts recording, don’t arm a session there.