Covert filming and recording of other people could become an offence if the Government acts on a Law Commission report tabled in Parliament on Friday.
The report, "Invasion of Privacy: Penalties and Remedies" is aimed at filling gaps in the privacy laws.
Law Commission president Sir Geoffrey Palmer says at present, privacy laws are very patchy and though it is illegal to record a private conversation, it is not an offence to secretly film someone or use a device to track them.
Sir Geoffrey said it seems bizarre that police need to get a warrant to install a surveillance device, but the law does not prohibit other people from doing that.
The Law Commission report also recommends extending the Harassment Act, enabling a court to make a restraining order if someone is kept under surveillance in a way which causes them distress.
Justice Minister Simon Power will consider the report in due course, but is making no comment on it on Friday.
