Out-Law News 1 min. read

CCTV footage-watching website must encrypt streams, says ICO


A website which allows members of the public to report crime seen on CCTV footage must make significant changes to the way it operates, the UK's privacy watchdog has said.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) demanded the changes after footage from the Internet Eyes website depicting a member of the public out shopping was found on YouTube.

Internet Eyes offers rewards of up to £1,000 to its members who spot crimes such as shoplifting on live CCTV camera feeds streamed to their homes.

The ICO said that security video featuring an identifiable image of an innocent shopper was saved and posted online in violation of data protection legislation. It demanded that Internet Eyes make extensive changes to its systems after a privacy complaint was made by the person concerned earlier this year.

The company has since agreed to encrypt its video streams and ensure it keeps records of which members have monitored which shops and when.

"We will continue to keep a close watch on them and do not rule out taking more formal enforcement action if further complaints are received," Deputy Information Commissioner David Smith said in a statement (3-page / 30KB PDF).

The ICO's investigation found that Internet Eyes had failed to encrypt the CCTV images it was streaming to its viewers. It also did not keep a full record of its viewers' activities, which meant it was unable to identify who had viewed the clip which ended up online.

Immediate changes made to the company's systems including encrypting the CCTV images and carrying out proper checks on its members, as well as auditing what each member was watching and when, were set out in an undertaking (2 page / 76KB PDF).

By July, Internet Eyes will also change its systems so no viewer can see footage from cameras located within a 30-mile radius of that person's registered location.

The Devon-based surveillance company launched in 2009. Members pay a subscription fee to monitor CCTV images for criminal activity and compete for a £1,000 monthly prize.

The service is funded by participating retailers, and is aimed at deterring shoplifters.

The ICO said that so far it was satisfied that the company had put in place checks to stop the sort of abuse complained about.

"CCTV footage should not end up on YouTube when it shows someone simply out doing their shopping," Deputy Information Commissioner David Smith said.

"A person's CCTV image is their personal data. The law says that it should only be disclosed where necessary, such as for the purposes of crime detection, and not merely for entertainment," he said.

Technology law news is also available from Bootlaw, a free resource for technology start-ups, with regular events hosted by Pinsent Masons.

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.