CCTV cameras are a common sight across the UK and are on everything from private homes to big public buildings. They act as a deterrent against antisocial behaviour and crime, but there are laws and regulations governing where they can be pointed.
Data Protection Act
This piece of legislation governs how personal information is collected, stored and used and can affect CCTV owners. Organisations must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and this includes personal data collected by CCTV Cheltenham or elsewhere in the country.
Where can CCTV cameras be placed
You can place CCTV systems, from companies like https://apmfireandsecurity.com/cctv-installation/cctv-installation-cheltenham/, in public and private locations, but Data Protection Act guidelines must be complied with. You cannot train cameras on areas that would be considered unnecessarily intrusive, such as bathrooms or bedrooms. CCTV signage should alert people to the presence of cameras.
You may also need permission or a license for installing cameras in certain areas. For example, local authority permission may be needed if recording in a public place.
CCTV in public areas
The Data Protection Act dictates that CCTV footage should be obtained in such a way that it doesn’t breach a person’s reasonable rights and expectations of privacy. Recording should also not cause distress or harassment. Any footage obtained should only ever be used for the sole purpose for which it was collected. For example, a business shouldn’t use CCTV camera footage for marketing purposes if it was meant for security.
CCTV in private areas
The Data Protection Act doesn’t cover CCTV inside people’s homes, but guidelines should still be followed. For example, home owners should make people aware that they are being recorded and cameras should not infringe on someone’s rightful expectation of privacy.
CCTV Signage
Clearly visible signage is required for all CCTV cameras. This should include details of ownership and how footage is used. It should give details of who can access footage and the rights of people who think they have suffered a breach of privacy.
