By Tim Ferguson, 3 August 2007 16:02
NEWS
CCTV operators may soon be banned from recording people's voices if a new code of practice for the technology's use is approved.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a new set of guidelines for the use of CCTV, now open for public consultation.
The updated guidelines suggest CCTV must not be used to record conversations between members of the public as it is "highly intrusive and unlikely to be justified".
The ICO also provides guidance on when it would be appropriate to retain and disclose CCTV images - to aid a police investigation, for example.
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The code of practice is aimed at helping companies and organisations that regularly capture images of individuals on CCTV to comply with the Data Protection Act.
Jonathan Bamford, assistant commissioner at the ICO, said it is clear CCTV has public support, due to its crime prevention benefits, but it is vital the tech is used responsibly to keep the public on side.
The ICO is now asking for comments from those organisations and individuals potentially affected by the changes in the code, with the consultation period due to end in October.
Comments
There are 4 comments. Join the discussion
1. anonymous
Excellent! Growing surveillance is inherently intrusive and has at least 2 negative effects...
- it reinforces negative views about the dangers in society, which are not as great as people imagine.
- automated monitoring and observation systematically undermines trust between all constituents of our society, individuals, commercial organisations and government.
2. Graham Coles
This simply shows how far into the world of Orwell's big brother we have already been plunged, despite the government's denials.
Clearly if cctv has the ability to record peoples voices, it was intended for such use.
I'm far from convinced that these systems have as much support as claimed, nor that they are effective in fighting crime; most of the footage just seems to be used to make cheap, crappy television programmes.
3. Chris Tolmie
It does seem that CCTV has been useful for some crime prevention and crime investigation. However, it is unacceptably intrusive. Faceless people monitoring law abiding citizens starts us along the path of a totalitarian state.
Fortunately for me we do not have CCTV where I live (as far as I can tell - maybe the cameas get easier to obscure). As soon as they arrive I will wear a hoody and put on shoes that change my gait (new CCTV software can compare walking styles to assist in identification).
Chris
4. Mike Fryer
Whether its crime prevention or crime solving a police officer on the beat would be better. If a crime is committed they could get there quicker and their presence is a good deterrent. CCTV is cheapskate, intrusive and worrying - a 'cop out' for cops!