In short
No. Singapore’s Penal Code (s 377BB, voyeurism) bans observing or recording a person in a toilet, shower or bath without consent, even in your own home.
No. Do not install a CCTV camera in a toilet, bathroom or shower, at home or at a business. Section 377BB of the Penal Code 1871 makes it an offence to intentionally or knowingly observe or record another person doing a “private act”, or to operate equipment so that someone else can observe them, when you know or have reason to believe that they do not consent (Penal Code, s 377BB). Under section 377C(f), a person is doing a private act if, in circumstances where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, they are using a toilet, showering or bathing, or their genital region, buttocks or (for a female) breasts are exposed or covered only in underwear (Penal Code, s 377C).
What does the law say?
- Voyeurism (s 377BB): intentionally observing a person doing a private act, operating equipment such as a camera so that someone can observe them, or recording them, knowing or having reason to believe they do not consent.
- Private act (s 377C(f)): where a person reasonably expects privacy, using a toilet, showering or bathing; being undressed or in underwear; or doing a sexual act not ordinarily done in public.
- Penalty: the Singapore Police Force describes voyeurism as punishable by up to two years’ jail, a fine, caning, or any combination.
The offence turns on the private act and consent, not on who owns the premises. A hidden camera in a toilet at home is not exempt; the law does not list any exception for the owner of the premises.
What about bedrooms and changing rooms?
The definition also covers a person who is undressed or in underwear where they reasonably expect privacy, so avoid cameras in bedrooms used by others (including helpers and tenants), changing rooms and similar areas. Point cameras at entrances, living areas, corridors and storerooms instead. See security cameras and privacy and home security camera locations.
Businesses
Shops, offices and gyms may cover entrances and shared areas, but never toilets, showers or changing rooms. Businesses must also follow the PDPA when they record people: see our PDPA CCTV guide.
Worried about a hidden camera?
See how to detect a hidden camera at home, and report a suspected camera in a toilet to the police.
Sources
- Penal Code 1871, section 377BB (voyeurism)
- Penal Code 1871, section 377C (interpretation, private act)
- Singapore Police Force: voyeurism charges and penalties (July 2023)
This article is general information, not legal advice. It has not been reviewed by a lawyer; check the current law on Singapore Statutes Online or ask a lawyer about your situation. Last reviewed 14 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install CCTV in my own toilet?
- No. Section 377BB of the Penal Code makes it an offence to intentionally or knowingly observe or record a person doing a private act without consent, and section 377C(f) defines using a toilet, showering or bathing, where a person reasonably expects privacy, as a private act. Owning the premises is not an exception.
- Can a business put CCTV in its toilets?
- No. Businesses may cover entrances and shared areas, but not toilets, showers or changing rooms.
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