CCTV cameras are becoming more popular, both for residential and business purposes. They provide protection for homes and businesses from criminal activities while also mistakenly capturing other events, like traffic incidents.
CCTV cameras are undeniably beneficial and well worth the effort and money spent on them. However, there are legal requirements that must be followed while capturing and acquiring CCTV pictures. We’re here to help you understand them.
Is it possible to have CCTV installed at home?
The simple answer is that you have the right to safeguard your property, and CCTV will help you do so. Ensure you have a firm response to the following questions before purchasing and installing your CCTV system:
Can I put surveillance cameras on a business property?
CCTV cameras may be installed in and around your business property. There are, however, specific standards that must be observed. You must:
Be aware that the Information Commissioners Office has extra requirements that firms must follow (ICO).
Do you need authorization to install surveillance cameras?
Permission is usually not necessary to install CCTV in a home or residence. There may be certain limits on the installation of security cameras if you reside in a listed building or a conservation area. Before acquiring equipment, check with your local planning authorities.
Before installing CCTV on commercial property, you must first register with the ICO and complete a Privacy Impact Assessment. As a result, strict rules must be observed.
Is the Data Protection Act (DPA) applicable to CCTV?
The DPA and the ICO apply to all types of CCTV, whether used for home or commercial reasons. Anyone who uses CCTV should complete a Data Privacy Impact Assessment to ensure that they are not jeopardising the privacy of data subjects.
What are my options for complying with the DPA?
Simply put, you must adhere to the ICO’s rules and regulations. Depending on whether you want to use it for household or commercial reasons, certain laws and regulations must be followed.
Because domestic CCTV might be contentious, there are several rules that must be followed:
Commercial CCTV seems to be more commonly accepted in society, but stricter regulations must be followed:
When can I pass over the surveillance footage?
If the request is related to police investigations, legal proceedings, insurance reasons, or subject access requests, you may pass over CCTV video. Individuals may only have access to CCTV if it exclusively records them and no other people. Because a road traffic incident may include numerous people, only the police, insurance, or lawyers have the legal authority to demand the complete video.
Can I use CCTV to monitor my employees?
The General Data Protection Regulation gives employees significant data protection (GDPR). This stops employers from misusing the cameras for purposes other than those intended. Employers must not behave in a way that jeopardises or erodes the mutual trust relationship between themselves and their workers. Employers cannot use CCTV to monitor workers during lunch breaks, for example, if it is deployed as a deterrent to prevent consumers from stealing.
Responsible use of CCTV
Make sure you’re following the CCTV monitoring rules for both residential and commercial buildings. The person who chooses what data is handled, why, and how has legal responsibility. This individual will be referred to as the “Data Controller” by the DPA.
Failure to follow the ICO’s stated rules or portions of the DPA might result in a large punishment, particularly if you’re monitoring commercial properties with CCTV. Businesses may face penalties of up to £500,000 if the surveillance is used inappropriately.
Trust Ultimate Alarms for CCTV installation in Glasgow & throughout central Scotland including Paisley, East Kilbride & Hamilton. We fit high quality Pyronix & Hikvision security camera solutions for homes across the central belt. Contact us today to discuss your home CCTV needs.
