TheInformation Commissioner's Office (ICO)has launched a consultation on its new draftCCTV code of practicewhich sets out
good practice advice for those involved in operating CCTV
cameras.
Aimed at businesses and organisations which routinely capture
images of individuals on their CCTV equipment the draft code will
help CCTV operators comply with the
Data Protection Act.
The Information Commissioner recently called for a public debate
on the use of CCTV and other surveillance technologies following
concerns that we are "waking up in a surveillance society". The
draft code aims to ensure that appropriate
data protection and privacy for individuals are maintained.
The new draft code of practice states that CCTV must not be used
to record conversations between members of the public. According to
the draft code this action is "highly intrusive and unlikely to be
justified". If a CCTV system is equipped with a sound recording
facility it should always be turned off or disabled.
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."