96 percent of security cameras across the UK are owned by private companies and homeowners. The price of security systems has decreased and the increase the popularity of cameras for doorbells has resulted in a an enormous increase in amount of CCTV cameras for homes that are being put in.
According to studies, CCTV cameras are one of the most effective methods of deterring burglars that want to remain undetected, which is why so many home owners are opting to invest in. While they’re a wonderful security option at home cctv kit cameras are subject to stringent rules regarding data security, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself about these regulations prior to installing your own security system.
In this article we’ll answer most important questions about the law governing home CCTV and the rules you have to know about.
Do I Need Permission To Install A CCTV Camera Outside My Home?
In most cases, you do not require permission to set up CCTV cameras. If you are in a listed structure and you need permission, you could need it.
The most important laws and regulations regarding home CCTV do not revolve related to whether you are able to install CCTV, but rather the location you put it in and how you intend to utilize it.
What are the rules and Regulations You Must Be Following?
According to the official website of the United Kingdom Government The website of the UK Government states that a homeowner’s CCTV surveillance system comprises the camera, storage devices for footage as well as any other images that are linked the security device.
If the cameras point towards and are only covering your personal property, there aren’t enough laws or regulations to be abide by. But, if the cameras cover streets that are shared by other residents , or images of private property owned by others it is important to keep track of laws which are applicable.
If you are capturing footage that is not on your home and outside of your home, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) along with Britain’s Data Protection Act (DPA) will be applicable to the video and how you utilize the pictures captured by your security system.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides guidelines regarding the use of security cameras that are privacy-focused. Therefore, your security cameras must conform to privacy laws to avoid being subject to penalties or actions by the organization.
As the installer and owner for your house CCTV cameras You are responsible for the management of their footage as well as any personal information that is captured by the cameras.
Laws, Regulations and Guidelines to Follow for Home CCTV
If you’re planning to install CCTV in your house There are some important points keep in mind and observe for ensuring that you’re complying with the rules and respecting the privacy of your neighbors.
Are You Recording Footage of Your Home?
When your CCTV cameras filming footage inside the confines of your home, such as your front yard and patio then the CCTV law and rules do not be applicable to you.
Are You Recording footage outside your property?
If you’re taking photos and videos of spaces outside your own property, such as your neighbor’s garden or street, you’ll have adhere to the regulations like GDPR or the Data Protection Act 2018 in regards to the footage and the use you make of it. It’s important to ensure that the video isn’t given to any third party and that it is secured in order to avoid it falling into the in the wrong hands.
Follow the Laws and Guidelines.
You should ensure you have a CCTV system is in compliance with the rules and regulations laid out in the GDPR as well as DPA since failure to comply could lead to them turning over to ICO to take legal actions.
The laws on data protection mean that you have to be responsible when using the system by safeguarding the privacy of others. The laws also give individuals with the right to access any information about them that also includes CCTV recordings.
Recording footage that is not your own home is a violation of privacy. Therefore, the ICO receives many complaints from neighbors who are worried they are being spied on by CCTV cameras are being utilized to monitor their neighbors.
Why Do You Need To Install A CCTV System?
Security and safety concerns that pose a serious threat are valid reasons to set up the CCTV system in your home. This shouldn’t be the sole reason for you to install the system.
Register Your System
You must register as a CCTV operator through the ICO If you wish to run cameras outside of your premises without using privacy masking or filters.
Let Your Neighbours Know
When you’re trying to use cameras within your home, you’ll need to be as clear as you can about the camera usage. You must inform your neighbors and inform them that cameras are covering their property or any areas they are able to access. It is also necessary to place up a signboard to inform residents that the property is being monitored by the cameras.
Avoid Audio Recording
Audio recording is more intrusive to privacy than recording video footage. It is generally recommended to disable audio recording in your home CCTV systems.
It is a regular practice to delete footage
It is essential that you regularly erase video footage that you’ve recorded when it’s not required anymore. This is usually done within 31 days unless it is needed as part of an investigation.
Right Of People Being Filmed
Data protection law stipulates that as a homeowner who has CCTV fitted, you are required to inform others that you’re recording images at their home.
This is the rights given to individuals who are captured by the cameras in your CCTV:
- Be aware of being under surveillance. You can inform others that they’re under surveillance in your home or the surrounding area by posting visible warning signs.
- Request footage that they can be identified – anyone who suspects or knows that you’re recording CCTV video of them may submit a request for subject access following which you’ll be given one month to supply the video. If you are regularly deleting the footage, which you are required to do but this isn’t an option.
- Inquire about personal information to be erased – individuals can also request deletion of any video or images you own of them as per Data Protection laws.
If someone isn’t satisfied with the method you’re using to operate the CCTV equipment, then they may make a complaint to the ICO and legal action could be taken if the company isn’t adhering to the relevant laws and rules.
How to Ensure Your Home Security System is in compliance
Alongside the guidelines we’ve previously outlined in our guide There are additional steps to do to ensure that your home security system is in full compliance in accordance with Data Protection laws and to protect yourself from legal enforcement.
Installation By A Reputable Company
The correct installation of your CCTV system is as crucial as its proper use to ensure it’s in compliance to the laws.
One of the most effective methods to ensure your CCTV system is compatible is to install it by a trusted security firm.
With Home CCTV our focus is only on CCTV. This means that we’re well-equipped to provide professional advice and service to ensure that the CCTV system you choose is suitable to your house. We’re experts in the field, so we’ll be able provide you with the solution suitable for your home’s needs and requirements and will be able to comply the Data Protection laws.
We have a full network of installers and technicians as well as an devoted customer service and admin team that is always available to assist.
Regular Maintenance
Although you may be in compliance with the correct location for your CCTV cameras , and also the deletion of video but your system will need regular maintenance to ensure sure that it remains in compliance all the time.
This involves reviewing the location of the cameras to ensure they’re installed correctly and not obstructing other people’s privacy. Regular maintenance will ensure that the deletion of the footage takes place at the time it is required stored, and that storage is secure. the recordings are not stored for longer than they need to be.
It is also important that the system be kept clean as dust and dirt can impact the function of CCTV cameras and cause them to fail.
Maintaining your system on a regular basis can help maintain optimal performance, and will help you spot problems that could be present before they cause major problems.
What happens if you don’t Meet Regulations?
If you do not conform to the laws or regulations, when someone complains and you are found to be in violation, you could face an enforcement action by the ICO. It could take the case of a fine, or legal action with the assistance of those affected. If you adhere to ICO regulations and guidelines and have a security system set up by a reputable company, you shouldn’t be in any trouble and it would be very difficult to get the ICO to carry out any law enforcement actions.