Many businesses, shops and public buildings have had CCTV for many years, and it is a popular, highly affective and low-cost option for security-conscious homeowners too. However, did you know that you’ll still need to comply with home CCTV law when considering protecting your property and family.

CCTV at home

It is completely legal to have CCTV inside and/or outside your home and it is becoming popular among homeowners who have a genuine desire or need to protect their homes. It is a cost-effective way to put off potential intruders from trespassing and/or to stop them from breaking in, and a useful, visual, and active deterrent. 

However, before you install any kind of security equipment, it’s a good idea to ask yourself whether it’s necessary, or even the best option for you. If more security is your main priority, you might consider improving the quality of your door and window locks, external security lighting, or maybe installing an alarm system.

It’s all About GDPR and Data Protection Law

So, you’ve decided CCTV is the way to go, you need to be aware that the use of cameras outside your home needs to follow certain legal guidelines. Before embarking upon the installation of any CCTV system, you should be mindful of the information concerning data protection laws. They’re there to ensure that the privacy of other people is protected, so your CCTV set-up should only capture images within the boundaries of your home (domestic premises), but this can include your garden.  

If your CCTV captures images outside your home’s boundaries, then both the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA18) will apply to you. If any of your CCTV footage or images capture a neighbour’s home or garden, or public areas like streets, footpaths, or shared spaces, then you’ll need to make sure your usage is compliant with these regulations and laws. 

What you need to do

When your CCTV captures these areas, if challenged by a neighbour or member of the public, you’ll need to have a good reason why. Data protection laws protect anyone from being filmed by CCTV beyond the camera’s boundary and you could be in breach of these laws. So how can you protect yourself and others?

Make sure your immediate neighbours are aware that you have CCTV installed, explaining why, and that it potentially captures images from their premises. You should also:

– Have clear signs informing neighbours and the public that CCTV is in use

– Not record more footage than you need beyond your main intention

– Make sure any footage is stored securely and not accessible to anyone else

– Regularly delete any unused or unneeded footage

– Make sure your system is secure and only used by you for its main intention

– Keep records of how and why you’re using the CCTV system and footage

You’ll need to respect the data protection rights of neighbours or members of the public too. Everyone has a right, under Subject Access Requests, to request images or recordings that feature them. If a request is made, you’re required to provide a copy within one month. Anyone also has a right to ask you to delete any footage of them if they request unless it’s needed as part of an ongoing legal case.

Get the right advice from Plymouth Aerial Solutions

There’s plenty of legalities to get your head around with any home CCTV set up, so careful thought is needed before any installation, so let us help you. We’re here to give you unbiased and independent advice so you’re aware of the law surrounding your installation and to get the right CCTV system fitted for your home. It’s not complicated and professional and correct installation will give you peace of mind that you are abiding by the regulations.

Call Plymouth Aerial Solutions on 01752 296 781 or email at info@plymouthaerials.co.uk today to find out more, arrange a home survey, and get your home protected.