The Commissioner for personal data protection has expressed reservations about proposed legislation that would allow dashboard cameras in vehicles and permit drivers to photograph collision scenes, citing privacy concerns.
The proposals are set to be discussed today in parliament’s Transport Committee, where Commissioner Irene Loizidou Nikolaidou will outline her concerns about unrestricted video and photo capture on roads and the processing of bystanders’ personal data without consent.
Regarding dashboard cameras, the commissioner noted that while recording exclusively personal or domestic activities is permitted, such as driving on private property for recreational purposes, the situation changes when cameras capture passing vehicles, registration numbers, and individuals.
Such recordings fall under GDPR regulations and must meet all legal requirements for data processing.
The commissioner emphasised that if dashboard cameras are installed for collision documentation, they must not continuously record traffic or nearby pedestrians.
She maintained that video recording for potential collision evidence cannot justify such significant interference with data subjects’ rights.
On the proposed law by MP Demetris Demetriou allowing drivers to photograph collision scenes for quick vehicle removal, Loizidou acknowledged this practice already exists but suggested limiting collected data to vehicle registration numbers, driving licence numbers, names, and insurance company details.
The commissioner warned that legally obligating drivers to photograph collision scenes could create more problems than it solves, potentially leading to uncontrolled collection and processing of personal data.
She noted that accident scene photography currently falls under the jurisdiction of roadside assistance platforms contracted by insurance companies.
Loizidou’s office has maintained a generally negative stance on dashboard cameras since 2019, noting that Cyprus lacks the legal framework to govern such data processing, with courts holding discretion over the admissibility of camera footage as evidence.
