In the UK, using CCTV cameras requires adherence to data protection laws, including informing individuals they are being recorded, limiting recording to necessary areas, and ensuring footage is stored securely and only for a reasonable duration.
SECUREIT’s Key Accounts Director John Reid has many years of experience of advising customers on the CCTV and monitoring and solutions they need to protect their home or business. But equally as important as selecting the correct technological solution from SECUREIT, is ensuring that the when the newly installed system is operated, that it complies with the current UK legislation for CCTV use.
Failing to follow the legal requirements that CCTV users must follow, can leave them falling foul of the law, with footage that may be inadmissible as evidence should it be required to support legal proceedings
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the legal requirements that John recommends all CCTV and monitoring customers become familiar with for using CCTV cameras in the UK:
1. Data Protection Laws:
- GDPR and DPA: CCTV systems that capture images of people outside of a private domestic property boundary (e.g., neighbours’ homes, gardens, shared spaces, or public areas) are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).
- Transparency: You must inform people that they are being recorded, usually by displaying clear and visible signs.
- Purpose: Use CCTV for legitimate purposes, such as security or crime prevention, and avoid using it for purposes outside of that intended scope.
- Data Minimisation: Only capture CCTV images that are necessary for the intended purpose.
- Security: Store footage securely and only retain it for as long as necessary.
- Access Control: Limit access to the footage to authorised personnel.
- Data Subject Rights: Be prepared to provide footage to individuals whose images have been captured, if requested, within a reasonable timeframe (usually within one calendar month).
- Data Erasure: Regularly delete or automatically delete the CCTV footage, or both.
- Stop Recording: Stop recording a person if they object to being recorded and there’s no legitimate reason to continue recording them.
2. Specific Guidelines for Domestic CCTV:
- Property Boundary:
If your CCTV system captures images of people outside the boundary of your private domestic property, the GDPR and DPA will apply.
- Reasonable Expectations of Privacy:
Be mindful of people’s reasonable expectations of privacy and avoid recording in areas where people would not expect to be filmed, such as bedrooms or bathrooms.
- Neighbourly Considerations:
Ensure your CCTV system does not unnecessarily capture images of your neighbours’ properties or public spaces.
- Signage:
Display clear and visible signs to inform people that CCTV is in operation.
- Privacy Masking:
Consider using privacy masking techniques if you cannot avoid capturing images of your neighbours’ properties.
- Registration:
If you wish to operate CCTV outside of your property boundary and do not wish to use privacy masking, you must register as a CCTV operator with the ICO.
By following these requirements, users of CCTV can benefit from the full value of the investment and protection provided by their chosen system. We know that CCTV can act as a strong deterrent on its own, but in order to assist with police investigations, or in legal proceedings to recover losses, only legally recorded CCTV footage can be used as evidence.
SECUREIT is a leading provider of fire prevention and security solutions, headquartered in South Wales. The business has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative, reliable, and high-quality security systems and services to a diverse range of clients. SECUREIT’s mission is to protect people, property, and businesses with CCTV and security solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
It is a South Wales-based family run company specialising in fire prevention and security solutions for residential and commercial properties. The company is dedicated to providing innovative and reliable products and services to protect its clients’ assets and ensure peace of mind.
Don’t leave domestic or commercial safety to chance — contact SECUREIT today for a free domestic or commercial consultation and keep your home or business property secure.
Don’t just protect it – SECUREIT.
