Authorities have launched a crackdown on illegal residential CCTV installations following a surge in privacy complaints, with police implementing new measures to address widespread violations.
The Data Protection Commissioner, Irene Loizidou Nikolaidou, has reported receiving daily complaints about CCTV systems illegally monitoring public spaces and neighbouring properties, prompting coordination with law enforcement agencies.
“Cameras are being installed by residents for security purposes, but they’re often violating constitutional rights by intruding into others’ private lives”, Nikolaidou told philenews.
The main issue stems from improper camera positioning, with systems recording beyond private property boundaries to capture footage of public streets, pavements, and neighbouring homes.
In apartment buildings, residents are installing cameras in common areas without management committee approval.
Last week, police issued internal guidance to all relevant officers outlining specific procedures for handling such complaints.
The force’s spokesperson, Kyriaki Lambrianidou, confirmed that new circulars have been distributed to ensure thorough investigation of violations.
“Senior police leadership has reissued guidelines to ensure comprehensive handling of these cases”, Lambrianidou said, adding that the circular reinforces key legislative provisions regarding CCTV usage.
The Data Protection Commissioner clarified that while EU privacy regulations don’t apply to personal household CCTV systems, police are responsible for investigating complaints when cameras affect neighbours’ privacy.
According to official guidelines, CCTV systems must:
- Limit recording to within private property boundaries
- Not capture footage of public roads, pavements, or neighbouring properties
- Obtain management committee approval for installation in apartment building common areas
- Display clear warning signs indicating video recording, its purpose, and system operator details
The measures follow years of attempts to regulate residential CCTV use, with authorities first issuing guidance in October 2021 specifying permitted and prohibited recording locations.
