Camera surveillance at school: Can a school install cameras?
, by admin, 2 min reading time
There are more and more cameras in schools. For example, to prevent vandalism or theft. But the invasion of the privacy of students, teachers and visitors is significant. That is why schools may only install cameras if they meet a number of conditions. They must also ensure that the invasion of privacy is as small as possible. A camera in a toilet or changing room, for example, goes too far, because it could expose people naked.
Legitimate interest
The school must have a legitimate interest in camera surveillance. For example, preventing theft or protecting students, teachers and visitors.
Necessity of camera surveillance
Camera surveillance must be necessary. This means that the school cannot achieve the goal in any other way. Is there no other option that is less intrusive for privacy? The school must first check this.
The camera surveillance may also not stand alone. It must be part of a total package of measures.
Privacy key
The school must first carry out a privacy test. This means that the school weighs the interests of students, teachers and visitors against its own interests.
The school must also discuss the plans in advance with the participation council.
DPIA
Does the school use large-scale and/or systematic camera surveillance to prevent theft or protect students, teachers and visitors? The school must then carry out a data protection impact assessment (DPIA).
This is the case, for example, if the school uses camera surveillance for this purpose on a structural basis or for a longer period of time.
Does the school want to use a hidden camera (covert camera surveillance)? The school must then always carry out a DPIA for this. Even if the secret camera surveillance is incidental.
Rights of students, teachers and visitors
The school must ensure that students, teachers and visitors know that there is a camera and for what purpose it is there. For example, by hanging signs.
In addition, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives the following privacy rights to data subjects:
- the right to view data (camera images);
- the right to be forgotten;
- the right to restriction of processing;
- the right to object to the use of personal data.
Retention period of camera images
The school may not keep the camera images longer than necessary. The guideline for this is a maximum of 4 weeks.
But has an incident been recorded, such as theft? The school may then keep the images in question until this incident has been dealt with.