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The first thing to consider if you’re thinking about installing CCTV is what information do you want to collect, and why do you want to collect it.

If you are going to use CCTV, it is important that you have a clearly defined purpose for collecting this information, as you should only collect information if you need it. 

You will usually also need to make sure people know that they are being filmed (and in some cases having audio recorded), why they are being filmed and how you intend to use and store the footage. Many businesses do this through the use of signage. However, there are some limited situations when you can use hidden or covert CCTV. 

CCTV cannot be used in a manner that is unlawful, unfair or unreasonably intrusive. Whether collecting personal information by CCTV is unreasonably intrusive will depend largely on the sensitivity of the information being collected as weighed against the seriousness or significance of your reason for collecting it. 

In addition, CCTV systems should not record audio if visuals are sufficient, and the camera should not move if having a fixed view of a particular area is sufficient. Collecting audio along with visual images significantly increases the privacy intrusiveness of CCTV systems. As in the case of using hidden cameras, you would need to have a very strong case for adopting this practice.

While installing cameras in the men’s toilets for generic security purposes is likely to be unreasonably intrusive depending on how the cameras are sited, installing a temporary camera in a locker room to catch a staff member stealing items from a specific locker is more likely to be justifiable. In the heath context, installing cameras in a patient examination area for generic safety or security purposes is also likely to be regarded as unfair or unreasonably intrusive.

For more details on what you need to consider before installing CCTV, you can also check out our CCTV guidelines.

Our advice covers privacy considerations. You will also need to consider the security of the cameras and how they affect the security of any IT systems you connect to them. 

Office of the Privacy Commissioner © 2013