New ICO Surveillance Guidance

New ICO guidance for Video Surveillance

The ICO has published guidance on the processing of personal data by video surveillance systems, click here to go to the ICO website 

The guidance outlines how data protection principles must be complied with when using certain surveillance systems including CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, body worn video, facial recognition technology, and school entry systems.
The key points are set out below and provide a useful tool for any school looking to use surveillance technologies.
  • Surveillance systems should only be utilised if they are a necessary and proportionate response to the issue being addressed.
  • Before using any new system, a Data Protection Impact Assessment (“DPIA”) must be performed for any type of processing that is likely to result in a high risk to individuals such as processing special category data, large-scale public monitoring, and monitoring individuals in the workplace.
  • As with all data processing, a lawful basis is needed for processing data. The most appropriate ground is likely to be on a public task within the school. 
  • In terms of fair and lawful processing, surveillance should only be used in places where individuals have an expectation of privacy or where it is necessary to deal with very serious concerns.
  • People must be informed when they are in an area where a surveillance system is in operation. Signs should be positioned near the places monitored to enable individuals to recognise the circumstances of surveillance before entering the area.
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