UK CCTV Laws

UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018

If your CCTV captures images beyond your own property (e.g., public spaces, neighbours' areas), you become a data controller under UK GDPR. This means you should register with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and display signage informing people they are being recorded.

ICO CCTV Code of Practice

The ICO publishes a code of practice for CCTV operators. Key principles include: only capturing what is necessary, keeping footage secure, limiting who can access it, and having a clear retention policy. Footage should generally not be kept longer than 31 days unless needed for an investigation.

Dashcam Footage

Using a dashcam is legal in the UK. However, sharing footage publicly that identifies individuals (faces, number plates) may engage data protection law. Footage submitted to Seen on CCTV has vehicle registrations automatically blurred before publication to protect privacy.

Vehicle Registration Searches

Accessing information about a vehicle registration you do not own or have a lawful interest in may constitute an offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 or the Data Protection Act 2018. Seen on CCTV requires identity verification for third-party registration searches.

Using Footage as Evidence

CCTV and dashcam footage can be used as evidence in civil and criminal proceedings. If you intend to submit footage to the police, it is best to provide the original unedited file. You can download footage from Seen on CCTV for this purpose where the download option is available.

Sharing Footage Online

Sharing footage that identifies individuals on social media or public websites without consent may breach UK GDPR, constitute harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, or in extreme cases amount to a criminal offence. Seen on CCTV reviews all content before publication to minimise these risks.

Further Resources

• ICO — CCTV and video surveillance guidance
• Surveillance Camera Commissioner code of practice
• Data Protection Act 2018