Video surveillance public space - these rights you have

The areas of application of video surveillance are diverse and range from private properties to schools. Especially when used in public spaces, the use of surveillance cameras is thereby very controversial. You can read here when video surveillance in public places is allowed and when it is not.

Video surveillance in public spaces: this is the legal situation

Video surveillance is used in public spaces primarily for security reasons. For example, surveillance cameras in public places such as train stations or marketplaces not only serve to make it easier to track thieves and offenders, but also help to prevent or clear up nuisances or vandalism. Even if the use of video cameras in public spaces is generally permitted, certain rules apply to their use.

1. Surveillance must always be proportionate and serve a specific purpose, such as protection against theft, property damage or assaults.
2. In addition, the recordings may only be used for the purpose for which they were collected. If this is fulfilled, the recordings must be deleted. Long-term storage or publication of the recordings, for example on the Internet, is not permitted.
3. If video surveillance is used in a public place, this must also be made clear, for example, by a sign.

This speaks for and against video surveillance in public spaces

Despite the general permission of video surveillance in public spaces, this is always a topic of discussion. While proponents argue that citizens feel safer through the use of video surveillance and that crimes can be solved more quickly, opponents see video surveillance as an encroachment on personal rights. In addition, the issue of data protection and the fear of hacker attacks is mounted as an argument against video surveillance.