Video Doorbells

If you are considering installing or already use a video doorbell in your home, you must think about data protection and privacy. 

If you configure your video doorbell so it only captures images within the boundary of your property and sound recording is disabled, then you are exempt from complying with data protection law.

But if it captures images of individuals outside that boundary, such as your neighbours’ homes or gardens, shared spaces or a public footpath or street, or records sound (even sounds inside the boundary) then your use of the video doorbell must comply with data protection law. You will be regarded as a “controller” and will need to comply by data protection law when using your video doorbell. This means that individuals who are concerned about your use of the video doorbell could ask for access to images, footage containing their images and sound recordings and make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) about you. You would also need to put appropriate signage in place. 

The ICO can issue fines against those who abuse individuals’ rights.  In a recent case, an individual was awarded compensation by the court against a neighbour who did not use camera equipment and video doorbells in accordance with data protection law.  See: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10085561/A-victory-privacy-Woman-100k-damages-neighbours-doorbell-cameras.html

We recommend you use video doorbells responsibly in a way that respects the privacy of others. Think about what areas you feel you need to cover, how you can position the video doorbell to avoid intruding on your neighbours’ property or any shared or public spaces and disable any sound recording facilities, where available. 

If you feel you need to capture images beyond your property, you will then need to have clear and justifiable reasons for doing so, write them down and comply with data protection law by:

• Letting individuals know you are using a video doorbell by putting up signs saying that recording is taking place and why.
• Not capturing more footage than you need to achieve your purpose in using it.
• Ensuring the security of the footage you capture by holding it securely and making sure nobody else can watch it without good reason.
• Only keeping the footage for as long as you need it by deleting it regularly.
• Ensuring the video doorbell is not misused by other members of your household.
• Respecting the rights of the individuals whose images you capture.  This includes not sharing footage with others and / or posting it to social media.

If we receive complaints about your use of video doorbells, we will direct any complainers to the Police and / or the ICO.  We will also recommend complainers seek independent legal advice about their rights.  We will not be involved in complaints, as this is a matter between you and the complainers.