Brussels, 13/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - The video surveillance systems in place in the European institutions and agencies need to be improved and their compliance with data protection rules reinforced, the European Data Protection Controller (EDPC) stated in a press release on Monday 13 February.
In March 2010, guidelines were published to help institutions to find the best balance between security and respecting privacy. In his report, the EDPC takes note of the “considerable efforts undertaken by those institutions and bodies which have submitted their state-of-play reports, in particular in terms of overall participation levels, the limited use of 'intrusive' CCTV and 'privacy by design' approaches (which involves 'soft' technologies, such as the use of blurring or cameras fitted with movement detectors activated selectively)”, the press release continues. The EDPC is also “reassured that the guidelines contributed to help raise the level of awareness and transparency regarding video surveillance matters within the bodies”. However, “almost 2 years later”, the EDPC is disappointed that “the implementation of the guidelines has been put on hold or significantly delayed in several institutions. This regards matters such as the content of the on-the-spot notices, the publication of online video surveillance policy documents, the lack of impact assessments as well is insufficient data protection training”, with just 11 organisations, for example, having provided their staff with initial training. (SP/transl.fl)