Domestic CCTV is Exempt from DPA
Domestic CCTV is not governed by the UK Data Protection Act (DPA) Regulations enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
This query comes up time and time again, usually in a format along the lines of:
My neighbour has installed CCTV cameras and they seem to be pointing straight across the road and I’m sure that he is able to see my children as they queue for the school bus …
The guidelines clearly state:
Most CCTV is directed at viewing and/or recording the activities of individuals. This means that most uses of CCTV by organisations or businesses will be covered by the Data Protection Act (DPA) and the provisions of this code, regardless of the size of the system. This replaces our previous guidance on when a CCTV system has to comply with the DPA.
The use of cameras for limited household purposes is exempt from the DPA. This applies where an individual uses CCTV to protect their home from burglary, even if the camera overlooks the street or other areas near their home. Images captured for recreational purposes, such as with a mobile phone, digital camera or camcorder, are also exempt.
Tags: CCTV, Data Protection Act
