Cameras at home and at neighbors: When are people allowed to hang a camera at their house?
, by admin, 2 min reading time
There may be good reasons to install a camera in your home, such as a security camera or a video doorbell. That is not prohibited either. But you must ensure that you infringe as little as possible on the privacy of other people, such as your neighbors or passers-by. Just like your neighbors must take your privacy into account when they install a camera at their house.
Most important rule of camera at home
The most important rule is that your camera should only film your own belongings. You are therefore not allowed to film other people's property, such as your neighbor's house or garden. In principle, you are also not allowed to film public roads, such as sidewalks or parking lots.
Your own responsibility
It is your responsibility to adjust the camera so that it only films your belongings.
Do you have your camera installed by an installation company? Then check with the installer how he sets up the camera. And indicate that you want to set the camera to be privacy-proof. Check for yourself whether your camera is actually aimed only at your property.
Exceptions camera at home
Sometimes you really have no choice but to film a piece of public road. For example, because your front door is directly adjacent to the public road. In that case, you must ensure that you infringe the privacy of passers-by as little as possible.
Only in very exceptional cases may you deliberately point a camera at a part of your neighbor's property or public space.
What can the AP do about camera surveillance?
Does your camera film other people's property or public roads, while this is not necessary? Then you are violating the privacy law.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) can hear about your camera surveillance. For example, if someone files a complaint about your camera with the AP. The AP can then take action against you in various ways if your camera is not set up to be privacy-proof.
Your neighbor's camera
Do you feel your privacy is being invaded by your neighbor's camera? Then first talk to your neighbors. If you cannot reach an agreement with your neighbors, you can take other steps.
Step-by-step plan for camera at home
Everything you need to take into account if you want to install a camera in your home can be found in the Step-by-step plan for a camera at home.