Installing additional cameras to enforce the corona measures. Many municipalities and companies do it, but what is allowed? Companies and municipalities must also take privacy into account during the corona crisis. Only then is it possible to ensure compliance with the measures.
Lockdown and curfew
As a result of the coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, strict corona measures apply. One of these measures is a (partial) lockdown or a curfew. For example, the catering industry has previously had to deal with a curfew. It is difficult for municipalities to enforce these measures. The use of (additional) camera surveillance can help with this. This does not only apply to municipalities, companies, schools, gyms and the catering industry also use this.
Camera surveillance and privacy
Using camera surveillance to enforce the corona measures does not mean that this is simply allowed. The privacy law still applies. This means that the privacy of people is and remains important. Municipalities or companies can use mobile camera surveillance. They must meet the conditions for mobile camera surveillance. Placing cameras in advertising columns is therefore not allowed without prior agreement, unless the basis for consent is agreed. Another and frequently used option is to place visible cameras on public roads. Municipalities may hang these in public places to maintain order. The police may use these camera images when criminal offenses occur.
Camera surveillance as a private individual
What about camera surveillance for private individuals? This is allowed to guard your own home or grounds. Filming public roads is not permitted without a warning being issued (for example a warning sign).
Watching from a distance
Camera surveillance and enforcement of the corona measures. This also means taking immediate action when people do not comply with the rules. Van is needed for this. Security cameras must allow this, as there are models that store the images internally or on an external recorder, but the user cannot watch live.
Health check and contact details
The catering and retail industry in particular will subject customers or guests to a health check or record contact details. This is often done in combination with camera surveillance. Reading the temperature is allowed if it is not included in a file. Furthermore, a thermal camera may not be used and there may be no automatic processing, for example gates. Contact professions are obliged to ask their clients for contact details. However, customers are not obliged to provide this data. Entrepreneurs may not keep the data for longer than 14 days. Entrepreneurs are also not allowed to refuse customers who do not want to provide their contact details.
How long can you keep camera images?
You may keep camera images for longer. The maximum retention period is four weeks. This means that you may not keep the images longer than necessary. Keep this in mind when you use camera surveillance, even if this is to enforce the corona measures.
