Chairman Gordon Ferrie said: “The ICO’s consultation draft for their new CCTV Code is a welcome call for a re-think on whether CCTV needs to be deployed at each installation.
“That simple question: ‘Is it necessary?’ goes to the heart of ensuring that CCTV is deployed sensibly and effectively”
The new draft code, published earlier this month, opened a period of consultation with industry bodies and the public that will last until the end of October. The ICO said it reviewed its existing code of practice because of changes in technology and growing fears of a ‘Big Brother’ state.
Under the new guidelines, CCTV must not be used to record conversations between people and any microphones attached to cameras must be turned off. In addition, businesses will be encouraged to carry out an ‘impact assessment’ before they set-up and use a camera system.
The assessments aim to take into account the effect of CCTV on individuals, Jonathan Bamford, Assistant Commissioner at the ICO said:
“It is clear that use of CCTV enjoys a lot of public support and can have benefits such as helping with the detection of crime. However, it can be extremely intrusive, putting law abiding people under surveillance.
“It is essential that the public is confident that CCTV is being used responsibly and for a proper purpose. As most uses of CCTV will be covered by the Data Protection Act this revised guidance will help CCTV operators comply with their legal obligations under the Act.”
Ferrie said that Camera Watch sees the draft code as a signal that CCTV is coming of age, finally taking on the responsibilities associated with surveillance.
“Well-deployed CCTV is only a tool in a total crime prevention context, but if it is not properly deployed in accordance with the regulations, monitored and backed up with action, it becomes counter-productive, which reflects badly on the industry as a whole. And does not serve society well,” he said.
Paul Mackie, CCTV compliance adviser at Camera Watch said: “We particularly welcome the section on monitoring staff in the workplace, which provides quite detailed guidance to ensure that CCTV deployment is proportionate and not intrusive. Also the ICO specifically raises the question of cameras and audio in toilet areas or private offices: and I have seen many cameras in such areas.”
Mackie added that Camera Watch will be studying the draft code in more detail before raising the issues with members of the CameraWatch Forum who are due to meet on 18th September in Edinburgh.
Camera Watch will then respond to the ICO in full before the consultation period closes on 31 October 2007.
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