How does GDPR impact CCTV installation?

The highly anticipated General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced on 25th May 2018. This new European Union privacy law aims to bring all EU members states under one umbrella by enforcing a single data protection law. The law is intended to provide guidelines and regulate how data is processed, used, stored or exchanged. It applies to any organisation which sells goods or services to citizens of the EU and process or monitor the personal data of EU residents. Whilst we all received a mountain of emails from companies want us to confirm we’re happy with their correspondence, there seems to be a knowledge gap surrounding the CCTV aspect of GDPR.

With harmful penalties such as 4% global annual turnover fee being enforced, businesses need to ensure they are cooperating with the new ruling. The GDPR introduction means that building/business owners now require a valid reason for the placement of cameras. Employers are not allowed to use CCTV to watch their employees, but can use it to protect employees when it comes to health and safety. The law protects an employees’ right to privacy meaning that your staff have to be comfortable with the placement of cameras and can object to CCTV being fitted into certain areas. However, if the camera is minimising a potential security risk, this can be used as a valid reason to carry out the installation.

CCTV installation: GDPRIf you currently have CCTV installed into your work place or home is it important to inform those who operate in and around your location that cameras are in use. The most common resolution is to display clear signs declaring “CCTV is in operation”.

Whist your DVR may have the capacity to record more, GDPR now means that captured footage can only be held for a maximum of 30 days. A risk assessment would need to be carried out if you need to hold the footage for longer. Some locations such as pubs and hotels maybe required to hold their footage for longer by the local council as part of their premises license. The storage of this footage should also be considered. Screens displaying the footage should only be visible by authorised individuals and not by members of the public. Regardless of format all CCTV should be encrypted and locked away.

Overall GDPR does not discourage CCTV installation, but instead encourages companies to use it for protection and monitoring whilst avoiding an invasion of privacy.

If you want to find out more about installing and maintaining CCTV systems, please get in touch!

It’s the 21st century and CCTV is watching you!

In a world where big brother is watching and cameras capture our every move, the CCTV market is booming. With electrical contractors installing four million systems in the UK since the 1960’s, everything we do is now being recorded. This quantity equates to one camera for every fourteen people, making us one of the most watched nations in the world. This sudden increase in surveillance has led to a technological evolution in all things security related.

The first commercial use of CCTV was by the Metropolitan Police, to help monitor crowds in Trafalgar Square during the Thai Royal Family’s visit to London. More government installed cameras continued to be installed across the decade used for police surveillance. The London Underground is home to over 15000 cameras, with over 400 in King’s Cross station alone. The soon to be opened Elizabeth Line will have two cameras embedded behind each display screen on-board. A recent estimate suggests that there are over half a million cameras in the capital city alone, making up 12.5% of the countries closed circuit television cameras.

CCTV has come a long way from a fuzzy image on a VCR, as technology advances and camera become smaller, the possibilities are endless. From nanny cams to drain inspection the applications for cameras are becoming more mainstream and affordable. Electricians and plumbers are using telescopic tools to diagnose faults in hard to reach places such as wall cavities.

Electrical contractors have two options when it comes to installing a CCTV system; IP and AHD. IP systems are run on CAT 5 or 6 cables, they produce a higher quality image that the traditional AHD method. The biggest bonus of using data  cable is the ability to transmit power, video and data over a single cable, ideal for a fresh installation. An AHD system is run in the more conventional co-ax cable, ideal for if a system is being updated as the existing cable can be reused. Both systems have the capability of remote monitoring with the addition of an internet connection.

Retail Maintenance and electrical contractors

With a variety of different systems on the market, there is a CCTV camera to fit all requirements and budgets; residential and commercial. From bullet to dome cameras can come in all shapes sizes and colours, depending on your electrical contractor. Some bullet cameras are capable of capturing a number plate from a car traveling at 70mph from 15m away, whilst other have infra-red night vision abilities. Whatever your circumstances there is a camera out there for you.

Opulous has installed many temporary camera systems into high end pop up stores. Although department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods have their own systems, it can be a requirement of the brands’ insurance to have an independent system. Our engineers work alongside the brands such as Bulgari; to ensure the CCTV is as discreet as possible, this includes bespoke painting the cameras to match the surrounding display for a pop up store.

CCTV

If you’ve got a project that requires some extras eyes, get in touch with our team for a site survey.