Many people are not aware that the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras is covered by the Data Protection Act (DPA).

The Information Commissioner’s Office has published an updated version of the code of practice giving guidance and advice for CCTV users on how to comply with the DPA. This addresses the issue of sound recording, which the guidance describes as ‘highly intrusive’ and it warns organisations that its use would only ever be justified in highly exceptional circumstances.

The guidance also includes a simple checklist on compliance for users of very limited CCTV systems for which the full provisions of the code would be too detailed.

The updated code of practice can be found at http://www.ico.gov.uk/Home/for_organisations/topic_specific_guides/cctv.aspx.