Data protection officer worried by “rapid” growth in private video surveillance

The increase in private video surveillance is causing serious concerns for Bettina Gayk, the State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information in North Rhine-Westphalia. According to the latest figures from her authority, the number of submissions from citizens reporting or complaining about private camera systems rose by around 30 percent last year compared to the previous year. While around 1,200 cases were received in 2021, this figure had already risen to more than 2,000 by 2024.

Distrust and control

Gayk sees the rise as a result of the public's increased need for security. The most common arguments for installing a camera are “concerns about robberies, break-ins, or damage to property”, explains Gayk. She recommends that citizens first take advantage of the free security advice offered by the police, and provides further tips and information on her website. Many people have become more sensitive and are less likely to talk to each other, preferring to react to conflicts “with mistrust and control”. This is also shown by the fact that more than half of the complaints – around 1400 cases – about private video surveillance come from neighbors. Video surveillance systems have also become “cheaper and better” and therefore more available over the years.

Use often unlawful

Gayk also points out that video surveillance is often carried out illegally. “Areas outside your property boundaries, in particular other people's properties, sidewalks and roads, are off-limits,” she explains. In addition, people who may be affected by video recordings must be informed of this – for example with a corresponding sign in a “prominent location”. As a rule, neighbors, passers-by, children, suppliers and other groups of people should not simply be filmed.

(mack)