CCTV - GDPR compliance and signage

The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into force on May 25th 2018 and covers data privacy (including images and recordings of individuals captured using CCTV systems). Data must be used and kept only to fulfil its original purpose. For instance, if the purpose of holding data is to identify individuals engaged in criminal activity, the footage should be of sufficient quality to do so and be available to the police should they request to view it.

CCTV recordings must be stored securely and encrypted wherever possible. Individuals have the right to request a copy of any CCTV footage in which they are in focus and / or clearly identifiable. If the request is valid and permissible, the organisation must supply the individual with that footage within 30 days of the validation. The same is true of other kinds of data relating to employee monitoring.

GDPR CCTV Safety Signs

As per ICO recommendations you must let people know that they are in an area where a CCTV system is being operated. The most effective way of doing this is by using prominently placed signs at the entrance to the surveillance zone and then reinforcing with further signs within the area being monitored. The most effective way toinform of CCTV monitoring is by using prominently placed signs at the entrance to the property.

Clear and prominent signs are particularly important where the surveillance systems themselves are very discreet, or in locations where people might not expect to be under surveillance. As a general rule, signs should be more prominent and frequent where it would otherwise be less obvious to people that they are being monitored by a surveillance system. This may be particularly important when an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system is used to cover a large area.

Signs should

1. Be clearly visible and readable;

2.Contain details of the organisation operating the system, the purpose for using the surveillance system and who to contact about the scheme (where these things are not obvious to those being monitored);

3.Include contact details such as website address, telephone number or email contact;

4,Be an appropriate size depending on context, for example, whether they are viewed by pedestrians or car drivers.

Our CCTV SIGNAGE GDPR PDF here gives a guide on what you should do to ensure your signage is compliant.

For a free signage catalogue email hello@adplancreative.com or call 01622 962302