The ICO’s new video surveillance guidance provides organisations in the public and private sectors with an updated resource, that addresses new applications of video surveillance technologies, and a more comprehensive description of how the UK GDPR and DPA 2018 applies.
Technologies include traditional CCTV, ANPR, Body Worn Video (BWV), Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), drones and more commercially available technologies such as smart doorbells and dash cams.
The steady growth of the use of video surveillance systems across public and private sectors, has led to both fixed and mobile cameras becoming more accepted in society. As video surveillance technology becomes more mainstream and affordable, it is now more common to see technologies such as smart doorbells and wireless cameras. Traditional closed circuit television (CCTV) also continues to evolve into more complex artificial intelligence (AI) based surveillance systems. These can process more sensitive categories of personal data.
The ways in which the technology is used also continue to develop. This includes connected databases utilising Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) or the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in public spaces. Often they process the personal data of large numbers of the general public for security, crime prevention or for other specified purposes such as digital advertising. However, some of these uses can be particularly intrusive, especially if processing takes place without the knowledge of the individual.
Read the guide here
