Data Protection Act for CCTV

CCTV is exempt from the data protection act unless capturing footage of individuals outside the property.

If camera covers beyond property boundaries it is no longer exempt. This doesn’t mean you are breaching the DPA but you might need to take steps to comply with it.

If you decide to use CCTV you should:-

• Consider what areas would need covering, will it capture images you need and how will you safeguard any recordings,
• Consider if you can put up signs but this is not a requirement,
• Make sure the system is not misused and is only used in the way you intended,
• Ensure footage is held securely,
• Consider informing neighbours if CCTV is capturing parts of their property,
• Consider getting equipment that enables you to control what is recorded.

Uploading or streaming footage of individuals require justification and in most cases will not be justifiable.

Filming the general public does not fall under the DPA but targeting an individual person does.

Individuals do have the right to request a copy of footage under the DPA if you collect their personal data.

Audio recording should be disabled when using CCTV for domestic use.

Tilt, pan, zoom cameras always need to be registered.

If you cannot rely on the domestic purposes exemption you will need to register with the information commissioner’s office (www.ico.org.uk) which costs £35 per year.