CCTV – What You Can (and Can’t) Legally Do

LOOK BEYOND THE OBVIOUS – SMART SECURITY STARTS WITH SMART USE OF CCTV 📹 

MYTH:

“I can put CCTV anywhere on my property – it’s my house, so I can film whatever I want.”  🏠

TRUTH:

If your CCTV captures any part of a public area or a neighbour’s property, even accidentally, you become a data controller under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

That means you must follow the law—even if you're just a homeowner.

WHAT YOU MUST DO IF YOUR CAMERAS CAPTURE PUBLIC SPACE

✅ Put up clear signs saying CCTV is in operation

✅ Ensure footage is only used for legitimate security purposes

✅Keep recordings secure and limit access

✅ Delete footage regularly (usually within 30 days unless needed for evidence)

✅ Share footage only when lawful—e.g., with police for an investigation

WHAT YOU CAN’T DO

❌ Use CCTV to watch neighbours, gardens or windows

❌ Publish or share footage online without a lawful reason (including social media)

❌ Record audio unnecessarily (audio recording is highly intrusive)

❌ Keep footage indefinitely “just in case”

SIMPLE SMART TIPS

🔹 Aim cameras only where necessary

🔹 Use privacy masking / zones

🔹 Switch off unnecessary audio recording

🔹 Check your camera’s app settings—many default to wide, public-facing angles

IF YOU’RE A BUSINESS

You must also:

✔ Complete a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

✔ Register with the ICO if required

✔ Provide footage within one month if someone makes a Subject Access Request

MORE GUIDANCE (UK OFFICIAL LINKS)

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – Domestic CCTV https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/domestic-cctv-systems

ICO CCTV Code of Practice https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-surveillance-and-transparent-processing

Staffordshire Police – Crime Prevention Advice https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention