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The world of smart home technology continues to evolve, and one device that has gained significant popularity is the video doorbell. These devices allow homeowners to interact with visitors remotely, providing a sense of security and convenience. However, with this technology comes the responsibility to protect individual privacy and data.
The Data Protection Conference (CNPD) has issued a series of recommendations to ensure that video doorbell cameras comply with data protection regulations. These guidelines align with principles from international data protection frameworks and emphasise user consent, data minimisation, transparency, and security controls to mitigate ethical and privacy concerns related to video doorbell systems.
Key Regulatory Recommendations
- Explicit Consent: Users must obtain explicit consent from individuals recorded by doorbell cameras, especially for video or audio capturing that can identify people. Unauthorised recording can violate privacy laws.
- Transparency: The purpose of collecting data via doorbell cameras must be clearly stated and limited to security or other legitimate uses. Data subjects (recorded people) must be informed about the collection, processing, and retention policies.
- Data Minimization: Only data strictly necessary for the stated purpose should be collected and stored. Avoid unnecessary surveillance or continuous recording that infringes on personal privacy.
- Data Security: Installations should ensure robust technical and organisational security measures to protect video footage from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.
- Retention and Deletion: Footage should be retained for a limited period consistent with the purpose, after which it must be securely deleted unless required for legitimate reasons (e.g., legal investigations).
- Installation Recommendations: Doorbell cameras should be positioned to capture only the user's property and public spaces where recording is lawful but avoid intruding on neighbours' private areas to reduce privacy violations.
Choosing a Video Doorbell
When considering a video doorbell, it's essential to check and clarify the points of internet and power supply. For instance, the Ubiquiti Unifi G4 Doorbell Pro costs 270 euros and does not require a subscription or a battery. On the other hand, the second-placed Ubiquiti Unifi G4 Doorbell Pro uses WLAN for internet connection and wiring via the doorbell wire for power supply.
It's also crucial to note that doorbell cameras should not film pedestrians, and public spaces must not be permanently and arbitrarily transmitted by a doorbell camera. Some doorbell cameras have WLAN connection and a battery, but it's recommended to opt for models connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable and drawing power over this network cable, like the Unifi G4 Doorbell Pro PoE Kit from Ubiquiti, which costs 340 euros.
Balancing Privacy and Security
To balance security benefits with privacy rights, doorbell cameras should be installed in a way that they only capture their own property and do not allow a view of neighbours' gardens or houses. Furthermore, a door and bell camera should not be used in living areas if it can also be activated by movement, manually or via smartphone, according to the Data Protection Conference.
In conclusion, adhering to these guidelines not only ensures compliance with data protection regulations but also helps address the ethical concerns surrounding video doorbell data protection and installation. By respecting individual privacy and implementing secure practices, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of smart home technology while maintaining a safe and private living environment.
The Data Protection Conference recommends obtaining explicit consent from individuals recorded by video doorbell cameras and informing data subjects about collection, processing, and retention policies to adhere to data protection regulations. In the market for a video doorbell, it's crucial to opt for models that draw power and internet connections in ways that respect privacy, such as the Unifi G4 Doorbell Pro PoE Kit from Ubiquiti, which connects to the internet via an Ethernet cable and avoids filming pedestrians or public spaces that are not part of the user's property.
