Back to Basics, What is CCTV Redaction & Why Should I Care?

CCTV Readction & GDPR, lets take a look at the basics and why its so important that you protect subject data. Basically protecting subject data is a requirement of the data protection legislation in the UK also known as the General Data Protection Regulation “GDPR”, As a data controller, you have a legal responsibility to ensure you comply with the General Data Protection Regulation when disclosing surveillance footage (still image or video) of individuals.

Compliance is particularly important when responding to subject access requests, as a minimum requirement you must protect the identity of any other individuals shown in the image, this can be achieved by blurring/pixelation of facial features and locations using video/image redaction.

As a Data Controller (CCTV Operater) it is important that you understand the principles of the information protection regulations and failiure to comply could land you in hot water with fines issued upto 4% of the previous financial year turnover.

Is the requirement to redact CCTV Footage still applicable now we have left the EU?

To keep this short the answer is yes, the EU – GDPR (Europen Union – General Data Protection Regulations) were introduced in May 2018 across all countries inside the European Union, despite our transition outside of the European Econimic Area on 31st of December 2020, the General Data Protection Regulation is here to stay and will continue to be in effect for the foreseeable furture.

The GDPR was brought into UK law on the 31st of December 2020 as the ‘UK GDPR’, however there may be further developments about how we deal with particular issues such as UK-EU data transfers, they have also announced that there will be little change to the core data protection principles, rights and obligations found in the GDPR.

To put it quite simply, if you operate inside the UK, you will need to continue to comply with UK data protection laws & regulations in terms of CCTV Redaction.  

Are You Ready to simplify the CCTV Redaction Process?

We offer a secure outsourced Video & CCTV redaction service, theres no AI tools used here to ensure your data stays compliant and free from redaction errors, we can hide faces, distinguishing features, registration plates, digital screens, written notes and much more on CCTV footage. Our team of CCTV redaction specialists get it right every time, guaranteed.

You can learn more about how you can gain complete risk management in 4 easy steps on our Video & CCTV Readction Services page or call our friendly team who are on hand to answer any questions we havent covered in this article. We also offer a wide range of Forensic Tools and CCTV Redaction Software for users who are looking to complete this task in house.

You can send us a message or Call us on 01312 722721

Further Information & Guidance: 

• Information Commisioners Office (Article) – Data Protection at the end of the transition period.

• ICO Guidance – How to disclose information safely.