Sourcing, installing and maintaining HD CCTV equipment makes financial sense to protect your business, but the biggest cost could come from not having the right procedures in place to process the images received on a day by day basis.
Data protection (meaning any information in any format that can identify someone) is about to ramp up to a whole new level. In May 2018 the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went live.
This complex and far-reaching law impact all businesses that hold personal information on EU citizens – so just about every company in the UK and certainly the ones monitoring business activities in and around their premises.
Ignoring it is not an option – non-compliance could result in fines of up to €20,000,000 or 4% of global turnover.
It could be said to be a double-edged sword. From a business perspective it tightens the controls on data collection, storage, use and disposal. This will prevent some of the data abuses and leaks that have plagued UK industry and commerce in recent years.
However, it gives companies a package of new responsibilities towards the general public. This includes far better transparency and accountability when it comes to data collected via HD CCTV equipment.
For example, who in your team has access to the imagery will be more closely monitored. Systems to dictate how you use any footage and how long you store it for will be scrutinised. Providing access for anyone querying footage of themselves will also become more prescriptive.
If you hang on to data for any reason, it may have to be encrypted under the GDPR – a wide sweeping requirement designed to protect all forms of personal information should it fall into the wrong hands.
The way you notify staff and visitors about the HD CCTV equipment that is operating will also become even more detailed.
Legal requirements for the use of CCTV in business premises are already clear, including having a defendable security rationale and ensuring privacy is protected.
It is surprising how many UK companies are already falling short of data protection regulations. When the GDPR becomes enforceable, many more may find that their surveillance equipment costs them dearly.
The best way forwards is to use a specialist company to install HD CCTV which keeps one step ahead of legislation. I-H CCTV can advise you about the most appropriate surveillance solutions for your needs.
