It is now illegal to make unauthorized video surveillance recordings of a neighbor’s backyard in New York. 

Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, the bill’s sponsor, said he heard from people throughout the state who have been victimized by the practice, according to an AP report. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill, saying the legislation will give people legal recourse to sue a neighbor who records activities in their backyard with the intent to harass, threaten or annoy them.