There are a range of personal CCTV devices on the market to support you in protecting your home. However, when deciding on the right personal CCTV device to invest in for you and your needs it can be important to know the rules on what you can’t and can record. Whether you’re using your personal CCTV at home, at work or for another commercial use there are some basic factors that can be helpful to consider starting from your own personal rights to also taking into account the rights and privacy of others.
You can find full detailed guidance on the use of personal CCTV systems from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) HERE. However, there are also some basic rules which can be applied:
Rule 1: Respect the privacy of others
When installing your personal CCTV system, it’s really important to consider how you are affecting others and whether you are encroaching on their privacy. E.g.
- Is your CCTV filming your neighbours house?
- Is your camera accessing other people’s gardens?
- Is it offering views through people’s windows?
- If it is, you should consider ways that you could alter the positioning or angling of your system or include privacy filters.
You can also keep yourself updated on the Data Protection Act if your system captures images from beyond the boundary of your property.
Rule 2: Be Transparent
Before you start using your personal CCTV system it’s important that you inform the people around you. That can include:
- Telling your neighbours/ work colleagues and showing them where your personal CCTV system is being installed. When speaking to these people you should listen to and respect any concerns or questions they might have.
- Putting up a notice at your home/workplace to inform the public that there is CCTV recording taking place on the premises.
Rule 3: Be diligent with the upkeep and maintenance of your personal CCTV system
You have a responsibility to make sure you are regularly checking your system to make sure it’s running correctly and efficiently.
As the owner of a personal CCTV system, it is key that you use it responsibly. You will also need to make sure that the system and footage can’t be misused by others in your household and that it is always being used for the intended purpose.
Rule 4: Update yourself on the rules about storing information
It is useful to keep a record of how and why you are capturing images and to regularly check whether your CCTV system is still needed.
You should also ensure that you are also not storing footage unnecessarily. Make sure to regularly go through and delete footage when it is no longer needed.
If you have made the decision to invest in a personal CCTV system but are looking for further advice on CCTV installation, we have more information HERE.
Alternatively, if you have other questions or concerns please free to also get in touch at info@corona-it.co.uk.
