CCTV UK Guides

Can you record video of drunken patrons leaving a UK pub? UK Pubs, Bars and Restaurants CCTV rules explained 2026

Can I record video of drunken patrons leaving a UK pub? UK Pubs, Bars and Restaurants CCTV rules explained 2026

The short answer is that while you can use CCTV to monitor areas for safety and prevent theft, your recording methods must comply strictly with the UK's Data Protection Act (DPA 2018) and GDPR principles, particularly regarding proportionality. Recording exiting patrons, even if they are behaving badly, is generally discouraged unless there is an immediate, severe risk of criminal activity within the premises. You must define a clear, legitimate purpose-such as deterring anti-social behaviour or confirming identification for incidents-and ensure the CCTV footage is not capturing excessive or personal data of people who are simply passing through. Furthermore, signage must prominently warn individuals that CCTV is in operation, detailing who is monitoring the footage and the retention period. For 2026, data minimization remains key; you should only film the minimum area necessary to achieve your stated objective, such as covering entrances and exits, not the public pavement outside.

More questions about Pubs, Bars and Restaurants:

Must CCTV cover the street pavement outside the premises?

Generally, no, you should not film public pavements or roadways unless the equipment is demonstrably aimed only at the immediate transition point between the private property and the public thoroughfare. Recording public areas vastly increases your data processing obligations and risks capturing the footage of uninvolved passersby, which may constitute excessive data collection. If you require coverage of the entrance area for safety, the camera should be positioned to cover the doorway itself, minimizing the capture of the public pavement outside your control.

How long can I legally keep CCTV footage of theft suspects?

The legal requirement for data retention is based on necessity and proportionality, meaning you must only keep footage for as long as needed to achieve the stated purpose (e.g., filing a police report). While police may ask for footage for up to 30 days, bars and restaurants should adopt a policy to delete footage containing theft suspects within 7 to 14 days unless an active investigation is underway. Keeping footage indefinitely significantly increases your risk profile under GDPR and can lead to complaints and fines.

Monitoring staff is permissible, but it must be implemented transparently and for legitimate business reasons, such as preventing fraud or managing cash handling, not for constant surveillance of break times. You must inform staff, in writing, exactly what is being recorded, why, and who has access to the footage. Over-monitoring staff can breach employment law and erode trust, potentially making the monitoring disproportionate and therefore illegal under data protection rules.

'Surveillance' generally implies continuous, long-term observation of people's movements and habits, which is highly intrusive and requires a very high level of legal justification, often necessitating police involvement. 'Monitoring,' conversely, usually refers to targeted recording of specific, limited areas or events (e.g., monitoring the point of sale for cash discrepancies). For a commercial establishment, limiting your cameras to specific points of potential loss or risk helps keep the activity within the bounds of legitimate monitoring.

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Can I install CCTV to monitor wildlife crossing boundaries on my farm? UK Farms and Agricultural Property CCTV rules explained 2026

Can I install CCTV to monitor wildlife crossing boundaries on my farm?

Installing CCTV to monitor wildlife crossing boundaries is highly complex and usually fraught with legal difficulty. While monitoring livestock theft is often permissible if the system is proportionate, monitoring wildlife movement risks violating wildlife protection acts and trespass laws. Under UK law, you must adhere strictly to the principle of proportionality and necessity, meaning the surveillance must address a genuine crime or significant risk, not merely natural occurrences. If the camera is aimed at wild animals on neighbouring land, you may be recording protected species, which could breach the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Furthermore, any recording must be carefully reviewed to ensure it does not constitute undue intrusion on the privacy or natural behaviour of the animals. It is crucial to check local council bylaws and seek specific advice regarding the placement of cameras so that they do not impede natural movement or local conservation efforts.

More questions about Farms and Agricultural Property:

Monitoring staff on remote farm machinery requires careful consideration of employee privacy rights and GDPR guidelines. While you have a legitimate interest in ensuring machinery is operated safely and correctly, the monitoring must be proportionate to the risk. You must inform all staff explicitly what is being recorded, why it is being recorded, and how long the footage will be stored. Ideally, cameras should focus only on the machinery and operational areas, avoiding recording private changing rooms or rest areas. Always consult your HR department and seek legal advice before implementing any monitoring system.

Can I record vehicles passing over a public right of way adjacent to my farm?

Recording vehicles passing over a public right of way, such as a footpath or bridleway, raises serious legal issues regarding public expectation of privacy and trespass. While the land itself may be adjacent to your property, the right of way is usually considered public land. Unless there is an immediate and direct threat to your property (e.g., monitoring illegal dumping), the law generally restricts recording public activities. You must ensure any signage clearly explains the nature of the recording and that the footage is only used for serious investigation purposes, such as suspected theft or criminal activity.

What are the rules for monitoring livestock movements between fields on my farm?

Monitoring livestock movement between fields is generally acceptable if the cameras are installed solely for agricultural purposes, such as detecting poaching or identifying theft. The key is that the system must be designed to monitor the livestock and the boundaries, not the animals themselves in a manner that constitutes unnecessary intrusion. You must demonstrate that the CCTV is a necessary and proportionate measure to prevent loss. Clear signage indicating the purpose of the surveillance (e.g., “CCTV Installed for Livestock Security”) is mandatory.

Can I record footage that captures neighbouring property without a specific reason?

Recording neighbouring property, even if it is visible from your own farm, is highly restrictive under UK law and GDPR. You must only record what is necessary for the defined purpose of the system (e.g., monitoring your own gates or fencing). If the camera angle captures a significant portion of a neighbour's garden or private dwelling, you are likely recording private life, which is a serious breach. If a neighbour objects, you must be prepared to prove that the footage is strictly necessary for identifying a crime that occurred on your land.

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Can you record staff in the changing rooms at a UK commercial building? UK Offices and Commercial Buildings CCTV rules explained 2026

Can CCTV footage be used to prove negligence claims in a UK workplace accident?

Under UK law, CCTV footage is a powerful piece of evidence, but its use in proving negligence is highly restricted and must be handled with extreme care. Firstly, the footage must be legally obtained and processed according to the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Secondly, the primary purpose of the recording must be legitimate, such as crime prevention or safety monitoring, not simply litigation support. If the footage is used in a legal claim, it must be disclosed only when absolutely necessary and must be protected from unnecessary viewing. Employers must ensure staff are fully informed about how the footage might be used, particularly in relation to workplace incidents, to maintain trust and compliance. Always consult legal counsel before using CCTV footage as definitive evidence in a workplace dispute.

More questions about Offices and Commercial Buildings:

Must I tell my employees I have CCTV covering the reception area?

Yes, you absolutely must inform all employees and visitors that CCTV is in use. This requirement is rooted in the principles of transparency under UK data protection law. Simply having signage is often not enough; detailed policies must be accessible, outlining exactly what is recorded, who has access to the footage, and the retention period. Clear signage at all entry points, stating the purpose and the fact of monitoring, is a minimum legal requirement, but a comprehensive written policy is best practice.

There is a significant legal distinction: monitoring common areas (like hallways or lobbies) is generally permissible if the purpose is safety and crime prevention. However, recording inside private offices or areas where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists is usually illegal. Such recording can constitute a breach of privacy and may violate Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Any cameras placed in office spaces must be demonstrably focused only on entrances and exits, not on the internal workings of private workspaces.

Can I record video of employees using company vehicles on the premises?

Recording employee activity within company vehicles on private premises is complex and requires careful justification. If the purpose is to monitor safety or prevent theft, you must implement a robust policy that details the scope and necessity of the monitoring. Employees must be explicitly aware that their movements and actions are being recorded for specific, stated purposes. Blanket surveillance without explicit policy and employee consent is likely to breach privacy rights and lead to legal challenge.

How long can I legally keep CCTV footage of a commercial site in the UK?

The Data Protection Act 2018 advises that footage should only be kept for as long as is strictly necessary for the stated purpose. For general safety monitoring, the recommended retention period is typically between 24 to 30 days. Keeping footage longer than necessary significantly increases your risk profile and could be deemed unlawful data retention. You must establish a strict, documented deletion protocol to ensure compliance.

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Can you film employee break areas in a warehouse without explicit consent? UK Warehouses and Logistics CCTV rules explained 2026

The short answer is generally no, or at the very least, you must adhere to extremely strict data minimisation principles under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Recording areas designated for employee rest, such as canteen breaks or changing rooms, is considered high-risk surveillance, as it directly impacts personal privacy expectations. Legitimate interest, which often justifies CCTV, is usually deemed insufficient when basic human rights to privacy are concerned. If monitoring is absolutely necessary (e.g., for investigating serious theft), you must conduct a full Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) and demonstrate that less intrusive methods are impossible. Furthermore, employees must be informed about the precise scope and purpose of the monitoring via clear signage and, ideally, an updated employee handbook policy. Always consult your Data Protection Officer before implementing such sensitive monitoring.

More questions about Warehouses and Logistics:

Is blind-spot mapping sufficient for CCTV compliance?

While mapping blind spots is essential for operational security, it does not automatically fulfil GDPR compliance. You must demonstrate that the reason for the CCTV (e.g., preventing crime) outweighs the privacy intrusion, and that the cameras are placed only where necessary. A DPIA must verify that the camera placement is proportional to the risk, and that only necessary areas are covered.

Must I display signage in multiple languages across UK sites?

Yes, best practice under UK law dictates that signage must be clear and easily understood by all employees and visitors. If your workforce comprises multiple national groups or speaks multiple languages, the primary purpose, recording times, and complaint mechanisms should be displayed in the relevant languages to ensure full transparency and compliance.

Can I record public roads leading to the warehouse premises?

Recording public roads is highly restricted and often requires explicit permission from the relevant local authority or police force. If you do record, the footage must be strictly cropped and limited only to the necessary entrance points and must not capture the public realm beyond what is operationally necessary for security purposes.

Does filming employee vehicles on site count as employee monitoring?

Yes, monitoring vehicles, even if they are company-owned, constitutes monitoring of personal data (travel patterns, movements). If you use CCTV to track vehicles, you must have a specific, documented policy and ensure employees are fully aware of the scope of tracking. This often requires signing a specific monitoring agreement acknowledging the loss of privacy in that context.

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Can I record faces in a UK retail shop CCTV? UK Retail Shops and Stores CCTV rules explained 2026

The primary legal basis for recording customer faces is usually legitimate interest, specifically for crime prevention, loss mitigation, and ensuring staff safety. However, the ICO guidance stresses that recording faces must be necessary, proportionate, and clearly justified. You must implement clear signage detailing what is recorded, why, and how long the data is kept, fulfilling the transparency requirement of GDPR. Recording faces should be limited to areas where a genuine risk of theft or serious misconduct exists, rather than blanket coverage. If the goal is merely general monitoring, considering non-facial recognition methods (like general area coverage) is advisable to minimize data processing risk. Furthermore, if you use facial recognition technology, you must ensure it is a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) compliant system, as this is considered high-risk processing. Always consult the ICO guidance before deploying advanced biometric surveillance systems.

More questions about Retail Shops and Stores:

Must I display CCTV signage in every department of my store?

Yes, signage is mandatory for compliance and transparency. The signs must be highly visible, placed at entry points, and clearly state that CCTV is in operation. They must also explain the purpose of the surveillance (e.g., “to prevent crime and loss”) and provide details on who the footage will be viewed by. While you do not need a sign for every single shelf, any area where surveillance is activated or where staff are stationed should be covered by clear notification. Failure to provide adequate signage constitutes a breach of the GDPR's transparency principles.

Can I use CCTV footage to fire an employee or customer?

CCTV footage is powerful evidence, but it cannot be the sole basis for disciplinary action. If you intend to use footage against an employee, you must follow strict internal disciplinary procedures and ideally seek HR advice. For customers, evidence must be used proportionally; the footage should only support the claim of theft or misconduct, not simply record the person's presence. Before using footage in legal proceedings, ensure it has been stored securely and that its retention period has not expired, maintaining the integrity of the evidence.

No, generally it is not legal unless there is a specific, justifiable reason related to criminal activity (e.g., identifying a theft attempt). Staff break areas are considered private spaces, and monitoring them constitutes an unwarranted intrusion into their private lives. If monitoring is absolutely necessary, the employee must be explicitly informed beforehand, and the monitoring should be limited only to entry/exit points, not the break area itself. Always prioritize privacy rights over monitoring convenience in staff areas.

How long can I keep CCTV footage of shop incidents in the UK?

The ICO recommends that footage retention periods be kept to the absolute minimum necessary for the stated purpose. For general crime prevention, 24 to 48 hours is often considered adequate, allowing time for police investigation if required. If the footage is part of an active police investigation, you must follow the specific instructions given by law enforcement. Once the defined purpose is fulfilled, the footage must be deleted promptly and securely, adhering strictly to your documented data retention policy.

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Can schools use CCTV to monitor students' personal belongings or lockers? UK Schools and Education Settings CCTV rules explained 2026

Can schools use CCTV to monitor students' personal belongings or lockers?

Generally, the answer according to UK data protection law is no. CCTV systems are designed to capture images of people, not property, and monitoring personal belongings or lockers constitutes an excessive and disproportionate intrusion into student privacy. Any surveillance must meet strict criteria of necessity and proportionality, and monitoring property falls outside the scope of legitimate educational safety measures. Furthermore, the collection of such data would raise serious concerns regarding data misuse and could violate the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) and GDPR principles. If a school needs to investigate theft, they must rely on other evidence and should not use general CCTV monitoring of lockers as a preventative or investigative measure. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) strongly advises that monitoring must be limited solely to identifying individuals and maintaining public safety, not monitoring private property usage.

More questions about Schools and Education Settings:

Must schools inform parents and students about CCTV usage?

Yes. Transparency is a fundamental requirement under UK law. Before installing any CCTV, schools must display clear, prominent signage detailing what is being recorded, why it is being recorded (the lawful basis), and who has access to the footage. This information must be easily accessible to parents, students, and staff. Failure to do so can result in complaints to the ICO and potential legal action for failing to manage data properly.

Can CCTV record staff members who are not involved in an incident?

Recording staff is permissible only if it is strictly necessary for a defined security purpose, such as monitoring restricted access areas or managing contractor safety. The use of CCTV must always be proportionate; blanket monitoring of staff areas is usually viewed as excessive. If staff are being monitored, their representatives must be informed, and the recorded footage must be handled with the utmost discretion, ensuring staff data is not processed unnecessarily.

How long must schools keep CCTV footage of incidents?

Retention periods must be strictly limited to what is necessary for the stated purpose. For routine safety incidents, the ICO advises that footage should generally be deleted within 24 to 48 hours unless there is a specific, ongoing investigation (e.g., police involvement or disciplinary hearing). Schools must establish a clear, written data retention policy and ensure staff know when and how footage must be securely destroyed.

Yes, provided the filming is strictly for safety and anti-bullying purposes. However, the cameras must be positioned to capture the activity, not the individuals' private interactions. The school must ensure that the signage clearly states that CCTV is active and outlines the purpose of the monitoring. The system must also be reviewed regularly to ensure it does not capture areas where children have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

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Can you record facial images of vehicles in a UK car park? UK Car Parks CCTV rules explained 2026

What constitutes 'appropriate signage' for car park CCTV systems under UK law?

Under UK data protection guidelines, signage is absolutely critical to ensure your CCTV system complies with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Signs must be clearly visible, easily readable, and placed at entry and exit points, informing visitors that they are entering a monitored area. Furthermore, the signs must detail the scope of recording (e.g., “CCTV in operation”), who the data controller is, and how individuals can exercise their right to access the data. Simply placing a sign is not enough; the signage must also explain the lawful basis for the recording, such as the prevention of crime or asset protection, which manages visitor expectations and mitigates legal risk. Failure to provide adequate signage is often cited by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as a primary cause of non-compliance penalties.

More questions about Car Parks:

Must I cover the entire car park area with CCTV to be compliant?

No, complete coverage is not a legal requirement, but adequate coverage is. The focus must be on covering entry/exit points, key assets, and areas where crime or anti-theft measures are most likely to occur. CCTV systems should be designed to provide proportionate surveillance, meaning the coverage must directly relate to the stated purpose and risk assessment. Using motion detection and intelligent analytics can help achieve comprehensive coverage without needing to place cameras on every single pillar or corner.

Does CCTV footage count as 'personal data' if it shows cars?

Yes, definitively. While the primary subject may appear to be a vehicle, the footage captures images of people (passersby, drivers, pedestrians) and details their movement, which constitutes biometric and personal data. Therefore, the entire system-recording, storage, and viewing-must adhere strictly to GDPR principles. This requires robust data retention policies, secure access controls, and clear explanations of data handling practices to the public.

Can I use ANPR cameras for revenue collection or just for security?

While ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras are highly effective for security purposes, using them purely for revenue collection (e.g., managing parking payments) requires specific legal justification and clear consent mechanisms. If the primary goal is security, the signage must reflect this. If it is for revenue, the signage and usage policies must be transparent and compliant with local council bylaws and private property law.

Are there specific rules regarding recording areas outside the immediate car park boundary?

You must ensure that any recording that extends outside the defined private boundary (e.g., onto a public pavement or road) is minimized and legally justified. If the camera angle necessarily captures public space, you must ensure that only the area relevant to the security objective is captured. Over-recording public areas is often viewed by the ICO as an unwarranted intrusion, necessitating careful camera positioning and potentially the use of privacy masking technology.

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Can capturing footage of trespassers on a UK construction site constitute a breach of Article 8 rights? UK Construction Sites CCTV rules explained 2026

The legality of recording individuals on a construction site hinges on balancing property security with fundamental privacy rights, particularly Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Generally, surveillance is permissible if it is necessary, proportionate, and clearly communicated, but the presence of trespassers complicates this. If the camera captures activity purely for safety monitoring or identifying immediate threats (e.g., anti-theft measures), the justification is strong. However, if the footage is used for general monitoring of non-involved persons, the risk of data misuse increases, demanding strict adherence to GDPR principles. You must ensure signage clearly warns of CCTV and detailing the lawful basis for recording. Consulting with a solicitor familiar with UK data protection law is crucial before implementing any surveillance measures.

More questions about Construction Sites:

Must I inform the public that CCTV is operating if the site is temporarily open to visitors?

Yes, clear and visible signage is a legal requirement under UK law. Signage must specify that CCTV is in operation, outline the purpose of the cameras (e.g., safety, theft prevention), and state who the data controller is. If the site is open, you must ensure the signage is highly visible and placed at all entry points to fulfil the transparency requirements of GDPR.

Can I record images of passing vehicles from a public road adjoining the site?

Recording vehicles from a public road is highly regulated and requires careful consideration of proportionality. While you can record the area for security purposes, you must avoid recording identifiable data (like license plates or faces) unless it is strictly necessary for the stated purpose, such as identifying stolen goods. Focus on capturing the activity near the site boundary rather than the vehicles themselves.

While consent is ideal, it is not always mandatory if you can establish another lawful basis, such as 'legitimate interests' (e.g., ensuring workplace safety) or 'legal obligation.' However, best practice dictates that workers must be fully informed about the recording, how the footage will be used, and how long it will be stored, mitigating any future claims of misuse.

What happens to the CCTV footage when the construction project is completed?

You have a legal obligation to manage and dispose of the data responsibly. Data must be retained only for as long as is strictly necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. Once the project is complete, footage relating to the construction period should be securely deleted, unless there is an overriding legal requirement (e.g., ongoing accident investigation) to retain it.

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Can you record the gym entrance without notifying members? UK Gyms and Fitness Centres CCTV rules explained 2026

Can I use CCTV to monitor staff performance, or is it always restricted to public safety?

Generally, CCTV footage collected in a gym environment must adhere strictly to the principles of data minimisation and proportionality under GDPR and the DPA 2018. While monitoring staff performance is a legitimate interest, using CCTV solely for this purpose is often viewed by the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) as highly intrusive and potentially disproportionate, unless there is a clearly defined misconduct policy and staff consent is obtained. If you intend to monitor specific behaviour, you must implement robust policies, ensuring the footage is reviewed only by authorised personnel and retained only for the necessary duration. Furthermore, staff must be fully informed of the monitoring and have the right to challenge the data usage. Always assess whether non-CCTV methods, such as designated management sign-ins or performance review forms, could achieve the same objective with less privacy impact.

More questions about Gyms and Fitness Centres:

Do I need a risk assessment before installing cameras in changing rooms?

Yes, a comprehensive Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) and physical risk assessment are mandatory before any installation, particularly in sensitive areas like changing rooms. These assessments must consider the specific risks to member privacy, the potential for misuse, and the proportion of surveillance needed. You must document how the system mitigates those risks, such as restricting camera views to common areas only and ensuring clear signage detailing the scope of capture.

Under UK law, recording conversations without the explicit consent of all parties involved is generally illegal and a serious breach of privacy. Standard CCTV cameras are designed to capture visual evidence, not audio conversations, unless specific, recorded audio recording equipment is used. Even if audio recording is permitted for specific operational reasons, explicit signage and detailed policies outlining the scope of audio capture are legally required and highly recommended to maintain member trust.

Must the sign detailing CCTV usage include the Data Protection Officer (DPO) contact?

Yes, best practice and ICO guidance strongly recommend that the signage is highly detailed and comprehensive. While the sign must clearly state who is collecting the data (the organisation), the purpose, and the rights of the data subject, including a DPO contact provides immediate transparency. This demonstrates compliance and allows members to quickly understand their rights regarding their personal data and whom to contact if they have concerns.

How long can I legally keep CCTV footage of anti-social behaviour?

You must adhere to a strict retention schedule, meaning footage should only be kept for the minimum time necessary to achieve the stated purpose (e.g., resolving an incident). For general anti-social behaviour, 7 to 30 days is common, but this must be defined in your privacy policy. Keeping footage indefinitely increases your legal risk and is a clear breach of data minimisation principles under GDPR.

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Can a hotel secretly record guests in their room for security purposes? UK Hotels and Hospitality CCTV rules explained 2026

Can a hotel secretly record guests in their room for security purposes? UK Hotels and Hospitality CCTV rules explained 2026

Under UK data protection law, the answer is a definitive no. Recording guests inside their private rooms without explicit, informed consent is highly likely to breach privacy rights and constitute illegal surveillance. CCTV systems must adhere to the principles of necessity and proportionality, meaning the surveillance must be strictly necessary for a legitimate purpose (such as preventing theft or assault) and must not infringe on basic human rights. Any monitoring must be visible, requiring clear signage stating that CCTV is in operation and detailing its purpose. Furthermore, the processing of sensitive data, such as footage taken in private living areas, requires a robust legal basis under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018). Hotels must conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) before implementing such systems to ensure compliance and avoid hefty fines from the ICO.

More questions about Hotels and Hospitality:

Must I tell guests I am using CCTV cameras in the lobby?

Yes, clear and conspicuous signage is mandatory across all public areas, including the lobby, reception, and car park. The signs must inform guests that CCTV is operational, state the purpose of the monitoring (e.g., “crime prevention”), and provide contact details for the Data Protection Officer (DPO). This transparency is a key requirement under GDPR and helps build trust, demonstrating the hotel's commitment to lawful data handling. Failure to display adequate signage can be seen as a failure to inform, undermining the entire legal basis for the footage.

Can I use CCTV to monitor staff behaviour in the kitchen?

Monitoring staff behaviour is generally permissible, but it must be tightly scoped to only what is necessary for operational compliance, such as hygiene adherence or cash handling. You must inform all employees (via employment contracts and staff notice boards) that the CCTV is active and what specific areas it covers. Furthermore, the footage must only be accessed and viewed by designated managers, and it cannot be used for disciplinary purposes unless there is a clear policy outlining this use.

What if a guest refuses to enter an area monitored by CCTV?

CCTV cameras are placed in public areas for the safety of all patrons, and refusing access to a safe, public space is not legally enforceable solely because of the cameras. However, the hotel staff must handle such refusals using established, non-confrontational procedures. If the refusal poses a genuine security risk or breaches the hotel's lawful terms and conditions (e.g., illegal activity), staff must follow their incident protocol, potentially involving the police, rather than simply restricting access based on the camera presence.

How long must I keep CCTV footage in a UK hotel?

The retention period must be the minimum necessary to achieve the stated purpose, meaning you cannot keep footage indefinitely. While law enforcement agencies often advise a period of 30 days, the ICO recommends that you establish a strict, documented retention policy. Once the purpose (e.g., investigating a theft) is fulfilled, or the period expires, the footage must be securely deleted. Keeping data longer than needed constitutes unnecessary data processing and a GDPR violation.

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