CCTV surveillance by your neighbour

This Library Paper summarises what the law says on the domestic use of CCTV.

Constituents sometimes complain to their MPs that a neighbour’s CCTV camera is “intrusive” and ask what the law says.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply to the use of domestic CCTV. However, the use of cameras for limited household purposes is exempt from the legislation, providing that the field of view is limited to a householder’s own property.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) enforces data protection law and has published the following on CCTV:

• Domestic CCTV systems – guidance for people using CCTV
• Domestic CCTV systems – guidance for people being filmed

An ICO helpline – 0303 123 1113 – is available for queries on data protection, including the use of CCTV.

The domestic use of CCTV could be challenged if its use amounted to harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The relevance of the legislation would depend on the specific circumstances.