in some situations its legal and in others its not. example here in the USA businesses and stores tape people without their permission first, the police department tapes people without their permission, airports, hospitals, train stations, even the highway transportation department video tape. a lot of towns and sities in the US also have cams set up so people can go online and watch the traffic or the scenery. Zoos also video tape without getting someones permission. Schools and colleges tape classes hall ways, entry ways without permission, transportation departments tape without passengers permission on school buses and travel buses...

basically since 9/11 happened just about every public access place, business, or agency now video tapes the goings on without permission of those using those public buildings and places.

that said there are some situations that its still not legal to tape without someones permission such as court hearings cant be taped without the parents, guardians or social services permission if a minor is involved, you cant video tape your neighbor and use it in court without the courts permission and verification of authenticity. because of privacy laws doctors cant video tape your being in the exam room but can video tape the waiting room (public access area) mental health providers can tape in the waiting rooms but cant tape your therapy sessions without a signed release form.