The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has issued guidelines for European institutions and bodies on how to use video surveillance responsibly and with effective safeguards in place to minimize the impact on privacy and other fundamental rights. According to an EDPS press release, the guidelines apply to existing as well as future systems. Institutions have until 1 January 2011 to come into compliance. "There are fundamental rights at stake," said Assistant EDPS Giovanni Buttarelli, "such as the right to privacy in the workplace." He said security needs must be balanced against the fundamental rights of individuals. "Using a pragmatic approach, video surveillance systems can meet security needs whilst also respecting our privacy," he said.
Full Story