D: Remote security cameras the focal point of data privacy
Category: NachrichtenBy: F. Fiesel, 2B Advice – the privacy benchmark
Security cameras are in the public spotlight once again. This time, however, with the difference that it is not the observation of individuals that is being criticized, but the possibility of observation by anyone.
The NDR demonstrated in a television report on 01.28.2010 that with little technical expertise and modest financial outlay it is possible to bug analog remote security cameras.
These cameras are used primarily for the monitoring of business premises, for example of gas stations or other retailers.
In contrast to digital remote security cameras, analog devices are not equipped with encryption mechanisms for transmission. In order to be able to listen in on a particular camera's signal one needs a receiver, which can be found in any well-stocked electronics store, and suddenly every "hobby spy" can intercept the signals of an analog camera. Some installed cameras transmit audio as well, which could also lead to confidential conversations, in the pharmacy for example, being bugged.
Joachim Wahlbrink, the Commissioner for Data Privacy of Niedersachsen, not only sees a data privacy scandal in this scenario, he also warns the operators of such cameras of potential compensation claims, should recorded videos and audio clips fall into the hands of unauthorized persons. Furthermore, Joachim Wahlbrink demands a more sensitive handling of the data privacy issue from the operators and manufacturers of such cameras.
In the short term, only switching off the analog cameras can ensure adherence to the provisions of privacy legislation by the operators. In the long term, these cameras should be replaced by digital models with appropriately strong encryption. Hard-wired solutions are preferable in any case to the remote systems.
Sources:
www.lfd.niedersachsen.de/master/C61508113_N61507626_L20_D0_I560.html
www3.ndr.de/sendungen/niedersachsen_1930/kameraueberwachung100.html
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