What does the yellow video surveillance zone sign mean?

Apart from the dissuasive plaques mentioned in a previous publication (The dissuasive plaques of alarm systems, the first obstacle against burglary), there is also the yellow video surveillance zone sign to correctly and legally mark buildings and spaces that have this service.

What information should the video surveillance zone sign contain?

The video surveillance zone sign is yellow with black information. Apart from a clear camera icon, it must contain the following information:

• Information responsible for the processing. Name, address, tax identification and contact information.
• Possibility of exercising the rights, generally those recognised in articles 15 to 22 of the GDPR, which are: access, rectification, cancellation, opposition, portability and limitation of processing. It also indicates the channel to be used (ordinary mail, certified mail, email, in person, etc.) and the documentation required to exercise this right (request, identification document, etc.).
• Where to obtain more information on the processing of personal data, such as: information on the purposes of the processing, data subjects, data transfers or communications, retention periods, etc.

Where is the yellow video-surveillance zone sign posted?

The main requirement is that it is placed in a clearly visible place and before the images are taken, so that all persons entering the premises, the installation or the building are informed about the video-surveillance. If there are more entrances, it should be placed at all of them.

What is the purpose of the video surveillance area sign?

Apart from its informative function, the video surveillance zone sign also has a deterrent function, as intruders choose buildings and spaces where they can enter without risk or with little effort, and a place with an alarm system is not one of them.

What is a video monitored area?

It is an area (indoor or outdoor) monitored by video surveillance cameras. In addition to cameras, the installation usually consists of monitors or display units and recorders. As far as cameras are concerned, they can be analogue or digital and have different technical and design features. They can be conspicuous and placed in plain sight to deter intrusion, or they can be more discreet and placed in more hidden areas to, for example, prevent tampering.

Recording can also be flexibly programmed, ranging from recording only in response to an alarm to recording that runs continuously. When it comes to viewing the images, there are also various options: by live security guards (CCTV and IP cameras), remotely by professional experts (IP cameras). Another option is simply recording and storing for later viewing if necessary: DVR (digital video recorder) or NVR (network video recorder). Only authorised personnel have access to view and/or record the images.

What are the regulations governing video surveillance zones?

The regulations governing video-surveilled areas are the RGPD (General Data Protection Regulation, at European level) and the LOPDGDD (Organic Law on Data Protection, at national level), both aimed at regulating the processing of personal data in such a way that each individual can have greater control over the use made of the data they have to provide to companies, associations, freelancers and even official bodies.

For video surveillance to be lawful, it must be based on one of the 6 recognised bases for processing personal data:

• Consent
• Contract
• Legal obligation
• Protection of vital interests
• Public task
• Legitimate interests