Using CCTV to protect your property
If your CCTV system captures footage of individuals outside your property, this will be subject to the Data Protection Act.
However, even if your CCTV system only captures footage on your property, you should use CCTV in a responsible way to protect the privacy of others.
How to use CCTV on your property responsibly
You should check at each stage that your use of CCTV is necessary and proportionate. Ask yourself the following questions.
- Do I really need a camera to address my security concerns?
- Would extra lighting or sensor lighting be as effective?
- Is there an alternative to a camera?
- Is there anyone who could advise me about alternatives?
- What is the most privacy friendly way to set it up?
- Can I avoid intruding into my neighbours’ property?
- What if my camera captures footage of individuals beyond the boundaries of my property?
You must consider whether it is necessary for your camera to operate beyond the boundary of your property.
If you camera covers areas beyond your property
If your camera can view - even partially - any areas beyond the boundaries of your property, such as neighbouring gardens or the street, then you will be subject to the Data Protection Act (DPA).
If you are thinking of using CCTV which might view areas beyond your property, or are already doing so, you should contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and advise them. They will ask you to register your CCTV system with them to notify the ICO that you are a data controller.
How to contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
You can contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) on 0303 123 1113.