With the introduction of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) the responsibilities of a business has significantly changed when it comes to holding personal data.  There are now real obligations for the way a business will collect and use personal data in order to protect individuals.   As a business owner, you are accountable and there are significant fines and repercussions if you fail to follow the guidelines.

CCTV Footage

CCTV cameras are now a part of day to day life and are present on many streets and in buildings throughout Ireland.  They are seen as necessary to protect and monitor both people and property.  While this may be a legitimate use for a business, you must have put policies in place regarding the access to the footage and the length of time it is stored.  But what happens when somebody wants to view this footage?

Data Access Request

When it comes to GDPR, giving access to that footage is where redaction comes into play.  GDPR legislations allows for any person who has their image recorded by CCTV the right to be supplied with a copy of their own personal data from the footage.

That person now has the right to access any personal information a business holds on them. In a data subject access request they can request a copy of any CCTV footage that contains their image.   However, before supplying the footage to the subject it is vital that any other person in the footage is protected.  It is not acceptable to disclose any personal data including faces, license plates, door numbers or anything that could identify the other people featured.

In order to comply, this involves redacting (or blurring out) the features as required throughout the piece of footage.  Most companies will not have the facility or resources to complete this task and that is when the services of an independent specialist should be sought.

Claims and Investigations

CCTV Footage may also be sought in the case of a legal action or some claim against a company.  In this situation it may be required to have a form of enhancement in addition to redaction for the footage.  This would make certain elements of the footage (perhaps the driver of a vehicle) to become more prominent for the viewer.  While enhancing the particular subject, this will also involve blurring out any other person featured.

Redaction of video footage will become the norm.  It will not be acceptable to claim ignorance of the legislation and you as a business owner will be liable for any repercussions.  Don’t take any chances, speak with the expert team at Datascan Redaction Services today for peace of mind.