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 | 
