Peeping Tom laws—also known as voyeurism laws or invasion of privacy laws—generally make it illegal and a criminal offense to peek into windows or doors on private property to view a person who is fully or partially naked for the purpose of sexual desire or gratification.

Peeping Tom laws vary from state to state and some states require that the victim not realize he or she was being viewed and that the victim had a reasonable expectation of privacy (was in a place where it was reasonable to expect privacy). And some states specifically address the use of unmanned aircraft (drones), cameras, video cameras, and binoculars in connection with such peeping. Some state statutes specifically prohibit peeking into bathrooms, dressing rooms, showers, and baths. And some states characterize this criminal offense as trespassing with the intent to peer or peep.

Peeping Tom laws are located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Mississippi, Peeping Tom laws are addressed under the state's invasion of privacy statutes. Mississippi Code Section 97-29-61 makes it unlawful for any person to peep through windows, doors, or other like places, on or about the premises of another for the purpose of spying upon or invading the privacy of the persons inside. This also includes any situation where a person might be in a state of undress and have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in bathrooms, dressing rooms, or bedrooms. The law applies to individuals who are seeking sexual gratification from such activities. Additionally, Mississippi law prohibits the use of photographic, electronic, or video equipment to secretly observe, photograph, or record individuals for lewd, licentious, or indecent purposes without their consent in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violation of these laws can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances and the presence of aggravating factors, such as prior convictions or the use of technology in the commission of the offense.