Data Protection and Business CCTV Systems
What steps should your business take after having CCTV installed?
When you have a CCTV installation on your business premises, the equipment will be recording your customers, your colleagues, delivery people, visitors in general etc. And because of this, for data protection purposes, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will need to know your reasons for using CCTV.
It’s not only the ICO that needs to be notified, the people who will be captured on camera also need to be made aware that you are making recordings on your premises.
The steps are very easy to implement however.
A simple sign, or signs, located around your buildings advising people that CCTV is in operation covers informing your staff and visitors about your recordings. These signs should be clearly visible and readable.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) part again is very simple. You’ll be required to fill out an online application that tells the ICO why you’re using the CCTV system e.g. for security; prevention of crime, theft or vandalism.
The application to the ICO does require a fee, the amount of which is relative to your turnover/profits.
Management of your CCTV system needs to be carefully considered and executed. You will need to manage who can view your recordings and ensure that it is only being used for the purposes you outlined with the ICO.
You should also be aware that Data Protection law means that anyone can request your recordings. You cannot charge more than £10 for this data and you must provide it within 40 days.
Please read more via the following Government links
Data protection and your business; Using CCTV:
https://www.gov.uk/data-protection-your-business/using-cctv
Data protection register: notify ICO about personal data:
https://www.gov.uk/data-protection-register-notify-ico-personal-data
