Domestic CCTV concerns
Discussion
Hi Guys,
Can anyone point me in the right direction to get the definitive legal position on domestic CCTV?
Reason I ask is that one of my step daughter’s neighbours has installed CCTV, which I am reasonably sure is looking straight into daughter’s lounge and able to see (capture?) images of my 5 and 7 year old grandchildren. Isn’t that illegal?
Thanks for all positive contributions and suggestions.
Can anyone point me in the right direction to get the definitive legal position on domestic CCTV?
Reason I ask is that one of my step daughter’s neighbours has installed CCTV, which I am reasonably sure is looking straight into daughter’s lounge and able to see (capture?) images of my 5 and 7 year old grandchildren. Isn’t that illegal?
Thanks for all positive contributions and suggestions.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domesti...
The ICO links on the above Government website don't work, so try this instead: https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/home-cctv-system...
The ICO links on the above Government website don't work, so try this instead: https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/home-cctv-system...
ICO said:
Where possible owners should position their cameras to only capture their own property. However, if this isn t possible and the CCTV captures someone else's property, a public area or communal space, then data protection law applies. This is because CCTV can capture images and voices of other people, and this counts as their personal information.
What are the rules for using domestic CCTVICO said:
Data protection law says that people who capture images or audio recordings from outside their property boundary must:
- have a clear reason for using the CCTV;
- make sure the CCTV doesn’t capture more than they need to;
- let people know they are using CCTV (eg by displaying a sign);
- in most cases, provide some of the recordings if asked by a person whose image or audio, or both, the CCTV has captured;
- delete the footage regularly or automatically, or both; and
- stop recording a person if they object to being recorded and there’s no legitimate reason to continue recording them.
I think given that it recommends that cameras shouldn't point at other people's property unless there's no option you'd be within your rights to ask them.
I can't imagine there are many circumstances where pointing a camera at someone's property so it can easily film inside their house is reasonable or necessary. I'd be asking to check the angle and tell them you feel it's a bit invasive.
I can't imagine there are many circumstances where pointing a camera at someone's property so it can easily film inside their house is reasonable or necessary. I'd be asking to check the angle and tell them you feel it's a bit invasive.
Alex_225 said:
I think given that it recommends that cameras shouldn't point at other people's property unless there's no option you'd be within your rights to ask them.
I can't imagine there are many circumstances where pointing a camera at someone's property so it can easily film inside their house is reasonable or necessary. I'd be asking to check the angle and tell them you feel it's a bit invasive.
They could alter it five minutes after you had gone,I can't imagine there are many circumstances where pointing a camera at someone's property so it can easily film inside their house is reasonable or necessary. I'd be asking to check the angle and tell them you feel it's a bit invasive.
NorthDave said:
I'd just talk to them. One of my cameras looks directly in to my neighbours kitchen but I masked the window so all I see is a black square.
They may have done similar. If you ask they should be able to show you the coverage.
I have the same with my cameras and I have set up a black square over the window also, my neighbour has never questioned it but i'd be happy to show him if he asked. They may have done similar. If you ask they should be able to show you the coverage.
I spoke with my shared drive and alley neighbours before installation. Gave both the option of my blanking their spaces and the alley neighbour welcomed the camera whilst the shared drive said no thank you.
I have shown both the setup live from my mobile and they're happy. This keeps me in compliance with ICO and continues a "Good Neighbour' attidude prevalent in our area.
If I discovered a camera facing into my property I'd first ask them to cease and then if I discovered they didn't I'd consider my position carefully as I don't need the aggro which I'm certain many here would agree with.
I have shown both the setup live from my mobile and they're happy. This keeps me in compliance with ICO and continues a "Good Neighbour' attidude prevalent in our area.
If I discovered a camera facing into my property I'd first ask them to cease and then if I discovered they didn't I'd consider my position carefully as I don't need the aggro which I'm certain many here would agree with.
There's also the strong likelihood that the neighbour's CCTV won't actually be able to resolve anything useful at that angle and distance.
A neighbour at an old house decided to mount PTZ cameras on the soffits, because he thought it would give him a good view. All it showed on his property was the top of people's heads. All it showed of my house (approx 40 metres away)was whether or not the lights were on with the curtains open. Certainly wouldn't have been useful for any peeping.
A neighbour at an old house decided to mount PTZ cameras on the soffits, because he thought it would give him a good view. All it showed on his property was the top of people's heads. All it showed of my house (approx 40 metres away)was whether or not the lights were on with the curtains open. Certainly wouldn't have been useful for any peeping.
As above, highly, highly unlikely if the distance from the lens to the window is more than 10m that you ll be able to resolve anything through the glass. Especially with light differentials from outside/in. Unless it s a pretty expensive HD system and the lighting on the given day is perfect. Even then, as above something like this will defeat any chance of deliberate snooping into your living room. Personally given the state of crime I’d welcome it. Not that the cops would ever do anything with the footage anyway if the worst were to happen.
https://www.dunelm.com/product/sheer-elegance-slot...
https://www.dunelm.com/product/sheer-elegance-slot...
Wacky Racer said:
They could alter it five minutes after you had gone,
But if you're prepared to keep an eye on it and note if it changes, that's the best hope you have. If it's the typical rectangular style camera it's fairly clear where they are pointing. I have CCTV that points to the gate of my driveway and slightly covers the entrance that is shared with my neighbour. It would be clear if the camera was pointing horizontally across to their property.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff