If you have CCTV cameras installed in your home or workplace, you may be wondering how long you should keep the footage for. In the UK, CCTV footage retention is governed by data protection laws like GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Keep reading this blog to find out what length of time these laws suggest you keep your footage for and learn how this varies for different properties.
Typical CCTV Retention Periods
Homes & Small Businesses: 7 to 31 days
Retail & Public Areas: 30 to 90 days
High-Security Premises: Several months to years (justified by high risk)
Can You Save CCTV Footage?
GDPR laws state that CCTV footage should not be kept for longer than necessary unless there is a specific, documented reason, such as an ongoing police investigation, insurance claim or litigation. Retaining CCTV footage as a way to document patterns of suspicious activity is also generally allowed. Keeping footage ‘just in case’ is a violation of data protection laws.
If the CCTV is for personal, household use – like a home ring camera - GDPR rules do not apply, however you should still respect privacy.
Key Rules for Saving CCTV Footage
- Never keep footage for longer than necessary.
- Only retain footage if you have a justified, documented reason that is reviewed regularly.
- Access to recorded footage must be restricted to authorised personnel only.
- An audit log should be maintained of who accesses the footage and when.
- Individuals have the right to request a copy of their own data and companies must respond within one calendar month.
If you want to install CCTV footage at your premises, get in touch with us at IDS Security today and request a free quote. Click the button below to find out more about our CCTV installation services.
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