A recent ruling in Europe has resulted in a change in the way domestic or household CCTV is governed in the UK. The ruling applies to both new and existing domestic CCTV systems. If your CCTV system covers, even partially, any areas beyond the boundaries of your property, such as neighbouring gardens or the street, then it will no longer be exempt from the Data Protection Act (DPA) under the domestic purposes exemption. This does not mean that you are breaching the DPA, but it does mean that you are subject to it.
CCTV systems filming even limited views of a public space are now required to be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and will be subject to a number of other requirements such as the use of specific signage. Owners must also be aware that if their system covers an area beyond their home’s boundary they will also be subject to many of the same requirements in terms of the protection and provision of data as larger organisations.
