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When is CCTV covered by the Data Protection Act?
The Data Protection Act gives you the right to see information held about you and this includes CCTV images of you.
11:47 25 October 2017
It also set the rules as to how CCTV operators should gather, store and release CCTV images of individuals. If CCTV is being used for anti social behaviour and harassment, the CCTV operator can be reported to the police and they can be held criminally liable.
CCTV operators must be aware that it is their obligation to let people know that they are using CCTV cameras. They can do so by putting up signs, which must be clearly visible and readable. CCTV cameras must not be used in some areas, including but not limited to changing rooms and toilets. With a few exceptions, CCTV should also not be used to record conversations between members of the public. In addition, CCTV operators are not allowed to share images of identifiable people to the media or put them up on the internet.
Under the Data Protection Act, you have the right to see CCTV images of you and to ask for a copy for them. The CCTV operator must be able to provide the copies within 40 calendar days. In exchange you will pay up to £10.