Outdoor Camera

[max26758]

I wondered if someone can tell me if it is legal for a householder to install a camera on the outside of his property without permission. Privacy may be an issue for neighbours.

[Gavmacp]

Yes legal but I think there are some regulations.

[woofgang]

yup, totally legal in the uk provided that the intention is not to film the neighbours, but that is simply an outcome of where the camera is pointed. When its issues with neighbours, I would always advise friendly discussion first, has this been tried?

[heathfield]

A warning sign has to be in place, like "CCTV in operation". This may be of interest...

http://support.y-cam.com/kb/index.php?action=article&;id=154&relid=5

[Peter Pedant]

I thought it couldnt overlook other property

BUT see
http://www.ico.org.uk/global/faqs/cctv

which is sort of word of God on this subject and it seems they can.

[woofgang]

Heathfield, read the link. You only have to put a sign up if you are a business. Private people do not need to put signs up. As i said, if the intention is to stalk or harass then the law may be involved but not otherwise.

[Buenchico]

With a few exceptions which almost certainly don't apply here (e.g. official secrets, indecent photographs of children or sexual voyeurism) anyone is free to photograph who or what they like as longs as they (or their camera) is:
(a) on their property;
(b) on property where they have permission for photography ; or
(c) in a public place.

For example, it's perfectly lawful to stand in the street, or in your own garden, and film people in their gardens or (through their windows) in their own homes. You don't need their permission and you don't need to tell them that you're doing it.

Even if you actually walked into someone else's garden to film them (or placed a camera in their garden) it would still only be a civil matter, not a criminal one.

Commercial premises using CCTV are subject to restrictions. The Data Protection Registrar (as he was then called) originally took the view that the same restrictions applied to private householders using CCTV but, following a court case which ruled on the matter, the Information Commissioner (as he is now called) has stated that those restrictions do NOT apply to private householders.

Chris

[Peter Pedant]

Golds star Chris
thanks
another gold star I mean

Do you have the name of the case - I like reading them for my (private) edification. thanks and regards Peter

[heathfield]

You're right, Woofie, CCTV warning signs aren't needed on private property. They used to be, but I now find that the Data Protection Act has since been modified to make things easier for householders. There's still the problem of neighbours, and passers-by, but one way is to have the local contabulary have a look at any set-up and get their approval.

[julie23]

It depends on your local laws. It might be illegal to install a surveillance system outside your house. But it is recommended to install a device to monitor your house for safety purposes. you can go for some invisible cameras available in the market. For more information you can go to this link http://www.spy3k.be/365_dagen_steen_camera.html