Since its invention and widespread use, the CCTV camera has been one of the very best tools used to fight crime and deter criminal activity. "Closed Circuit Television" cameras can be installed on nearly any building to effectively monitor an indoor or outdoor area.
There are limits to the use of CCTV cameras, however, and UK regulations have been put in place to protect innocent passersby from having their data and likeness collected. If you're interested in installing CCTV cameras on your commercial or residential property, or if you want to make sure your active cameras are in compliance with national law, read on. We'll be using expert advice from a security expert emergency locksmith Bradford to bring you up-to-date knowledge on new security laws.
Before placing your CCTV cameras, it's crucial to understand where you can and cannot point them. Your primary focus should be on protecting your personal property, meaning your cameras should be on and around your home or business. CCTV cameras cannot be pointed towards public areas like parks or plazas without permits from local authorities.
It's a good idea to have a clear plan for your CCTV cameras, such as personal protection of your home. You can use these cameras to monitor your home's entry points, or they can be used to surveil a front or back yard.
In terms of effective camera placement, a locksmith agency can assist you if you're unsure of how to best protect your property. Call a local locksmith and request a security survey for your home or business to get expert advice on camera placement and monitoring practices.
According to the Data Protection Act of 2018, citizens can point CCTV cameras and capture photos of areas outside of their private property, but they have to comply with data protection laws. This means that all footage must be stored in a secure manner for a limited time, and signs must be put in place to alert bystanders that they are being observed by security cameras.
Though it should be obvious, note that it is illegal to spy on individuals, whether you know them or not. CCTV cameras are meant to protect you and your property from illicit crimes and behaviours, not to aid unsavoury motives.
Failure to comply with CCTV rules and regulations can result in hefty fines and even jail time, in some cases. Below are some important regulation categories to take note of when installing closed-circuit cameras:
Human Rights and CCTV
The Human Rights Act of 1998 is an important piece of legislation that was passed to protect the rights of all citizens in the context of modern surveillance and privacy concerns. The Act states that individuals have a specific right to privacy, and CCTV footage of individuals can only be collected in public spaces with proper consent.
Individuals have a basic right to request CCTV footage in which they appear. This can be completed through a Subject Access Request, or SAR. They can also request that images and footage be deleted, or object to recordings from happening in the first place.
There are different responsibilities between the use of CCTV cameras for domestic surveillance versus business practices. According to the Information Commissioner's Office, if you have CCTV cameras that take footage of people outside of your private residence, then General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules apply to you.
This means a few things. First of all, individuals have to ensure that CCTV cameras function to the best of their abilities. They need to be used exclusively to protect private property, not to intentionally surveil streets, alleys, or any area outside the boundaries of your property. You must also provide copies of surveillance footage when asked by individuals who appear on camera.
Many businesses rely on security cameras to prevent and deter crimes from happening on their property. Similar to domestic surveillance laws, businesses also have to adhere to GDPR guidelines when operating CCTV cameras. Businesses are required to place surveillance cameras for a "legitimate reason", such as crime prevention. They are also required to post visible signage denoting the use of CCTV cameras.
Businesses that use CCTV cameras have to register with the Information Commissioner's Office and pay a fee for data protection. Any access requests for footage or pictures posed by an official body like the ICO must be complied with.
As mentioned, businesses have to register with the ICO when using CCTV cameras by paying data protection fees. These administrative fees can vary depending on certain aspects of your business. Data protection fees are annual, and some businesses are exempt from paying these fees altogether.
The largest determining factor for the fee is your company's size. Smaller companies with fewer than 250 staff members typically have to pay £40 to £60. Fees can exceed £2,000 for larger companies.
While these fees can seem uneccessary, they contribute to the safety of all surveillance technology and its usage. By taking part in responsible surveillance practices, we can ensure ethical and effective protection for private companies and homes. If you don't know how much to pay in data protection fees, you can complete a self-assessment survey through the ICO here.
Conclusion
If you own a home or business in the UK, it's a wise decision to use CCTV cameras to protect your property. However, this comes with certain responsibilities, and it's in your best interest to observe and follow compliance laws to protect innocent people.
Make sure to place and point your cameras in a manner that excludes public property, and be prepared to delete or offer copies of your surveillance footage to any party who requests it. Businesses that use CCTV cameras must register their business with the ICO and pay all associated fees. With the right practices, you can greatly strengthen the overall security of your property, protecting yourself and others!
