Video doorbells have become a common sight on the front of homes with one in five Brits owners of one of these smart devices by 2022, according to research by Consumer Intelligence. But their ubiquity means it’s easy to ignore the fact that video doorbell rules govern their use in the UK.
A smart doorbell that monitors and records outside a home is an essential feature of a home security system for many. But, if you have one, or are thinking of it, it’s vital to understand how to stay on the right side of the law.
To help you keep out of trouble we’ve put together a guide on the video doorbell rules here. And we’ll explain how to address concerns your neighbours might have, too.
The laws on video doorbell use
“When integrating smart security features into your home, it’s essential to consider privacy laws,” says Anthony Neary, security expert at Safe.co.uk. “If your video doorbell captures images or audio beyond your boundary, such as public pathways or neighbouring properties, you’re required to comply with privacy laws.”
You’ll need to understand your obligations and responsibilities under the Human Rights Act plus data protection laws the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA).
Article 8 of the Human Rights Act concerns the right to respect for private and family life, and it could be applicable if your video doorbell captures detailed footage of, for instance, your neighbour’s garden.
Absolutely crucial to be aware of, too, are the GDPR and DPA. With these in mind, if you are capturing the data of individuals – in other words, video and maybe audio, too – your need for security has to be balanced with their privacy rights. Your recordings should be confined to what is required for your security; they should not be used for any other purpose; and if your video doorbell records all the time you shouldn’t keep them for longer than is necessary. You are also obliged to store footage securely.
Anthony Neary
Anthony Neary is the founder and security expert at home and business security retailers Safe.co.uk. With over 15 years of industry experience, he specialises in security solutions and how to keep properties safe.
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How to use a video doorbell legally and responsibly
There are various steps you can take to ensure you are using your video doorbell both legally and responsibly.
First, consider the camera’s field of view,” says Carlos Dhunay, security expert and owner of home security company Telcam. “Ideally, your doorbell should only record what’s necessary, such as your doorway, your drive, or any area where packages are left. If it’s capturing public footpaths, your neighbour’s windows, or shared spaces, then you might be overstepping.”
Make use of the doorbell‘s settings, too. “Most smart doorbells now come with features that allow you to fine-tune what’s recorded,” Carlos says. “Look for settings like ‘privacy zones’, which let you block out parts of the image so your camera doesn’t monitor beyond your boundary.
“Another option is to set your doorbell to a ‘live view only’ mode during certain hours or when you’re home; that way, you’re not constantly recording footage you don’t actually need.”
Be sure to get in the habit of regularly deleting old footage that’s no longer needed, Carlos advises. “Keeping months’ worth of recordings can be excessive and creates unnecessary risk if that data is ever accessed without permission. Always make sure your cloud storage or app access is protected by strong, unique passwords, ideally with two-factor authentication.”
It’s also important to be transparent. “Put up a clear sign by your front door or gate letting visitors know that a video doorbell is in operation,” says Carlos. “You can’t possibly inform every person who passes your home in person, but a visible notice is a simple way to let people know they may be recorded.” Take a look at the Security Smart Video Doorbell Recording Sticker from Amazon.
Carlos Dhunay
Carlos Dhunay is a fully qualified electrician, and director of operations at Telcam, a company specialising in safety and security solutions for homes and businesses. With over 25 years of experience, he helps clients protect their properties using a blend of physical and smart technologies.
Dealing with neighbours’ concerns
Your neighbours can have worries about being recorded by a video doorbell, so it’s wise to be alert to them. Likewise, you may also have concerns, questioning whether or not your neighbour can have CCTV pointing at your house.
“When you install a video doorbell, it’s important to remember that what feels like a security upgrade to you might feel like surveillance to your neighbour,” says Carlos Dhunay. “That’s a valid concern, so aim to handle these situations with openness and a bit of empathy.
“Start by having a friendly conversation,” he recommends. “Let your neighbours know what you’re installing and why – whether it’s for monitoring parcels, deterring theft, or simply for peace of mind when you’re not home. Explaining your intentions in this way helps set a collaborative tone rather than a confrontational one.”
This may be sufficient, but if not, there are next steps. “If they express concerns, offer to show them the video feed on your phone so they can see exactly what’s being captured,” says Carlos. “Often, the anxiety comes from not knowing whether their home or movements are being recorded. In many cases, a simple change, like angling the camera differently, can completely resolve the issue.
“It’s also important to be reasonable about what your device is actually recording,” he adds. “If it’s unnecessarily capturing a large portion of a neighbour’s garden or a shared path, it’s your responsibility to address that.”
Guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides guidance on the use of CCTV, which includes video doorbells.
The rules to follow, says the ICO, are that you shouldn’t capture more with the camera than you need to; that you should let people know you are using CCTV, for example with a sign; that in most cases you’ll need to provide some of the recordings if a person whose image has been captured asks; that you need to delete footage regularly or automatically or both; and that you must stop recording someone if they object to it and you don’t have a legitimate reason to carry on doing so.
The ICO also provides details on what to do if you are worried about someone else’s camera.
It’s easy to forget that home CCTV laws apply to video doorbells as well as to cameras. But understanding the rules can spare you regulatory action and even legal action taken by affected individuals.
View the original article and our Inspiration here
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