Web Cams

Depending on the software on a personal PC some cam related broadcasting can be recorded by the person viewing....... I agree legislation and related documentation should be enforced

The only comments I can make on all this is that in my opinion (and it is only my opinion) I agree that this subject does come under CCTV and Surveillance laws, it also includes the data protection act and all companies should have a policy in place explaining how, when and why this equipment is used.

Signage is a mandatory requirement if employers are installing them throughout their offices and it needs to indicate if images or video is being stored and the purpose for gathering the images.

Failing to provide these basics clearly constitutes a breach of many laws, and employers falling foul of any one on them could wish they had thought it through more carefully.

You only have to cite recent cases of parkiing fines using mobile cameras is a good example. Albeit slightly obscure bearing in mind we are now talking about the workplace.

The point being it is too easy to abuse the use of these systems or its technology.

Actually I fully agree with David our employer is also attempting to do the same im the Group IT manager of a company so im hardly behind the times but I totally oppose the use of web cams in this way. We use OCS and it has its uses inc web cam but the element of compulsion by employers to use the cams is where I fall out with my boss. Web cams on computers are covered by CCTV legislation they still process personal information and whats more with OCS anyone can screen shot and record them which is a breach of the data protection act. David stand up for your rights doesnt matter why you dont like them , half of my staff hate them because they know how easily the can be misused and have already. Tell them you dont want to use it and see where they go with it.

I know exactly what you mean. I like to think of myself as handsome and distinguished (just a shame that nobody else does too).

Hi James,

Firstly, thanks for replying to my post regarding OCS. The only reason I connected it with CCTV was because someone mentioned somewhere it came under the same laws in the workplace, hence this is why I mentioned CCTV. OCS sounds good and could improve the connection I have with artists /designers in my print region and in real time.

Unfortunately I don't have children but I am fully aware of the net and the new technology. I just have a hang up about self image, especially now I am getting older (46). Life can be depressing enough without being reminded of how I look compared to twenty years ago. Hope you understand. Not eveyone gets to age like George Clooney.

David, would have been better if you'd started a separate thread, as a webcam at your PC is totally different from the CCTV-like 'building webcam' described above.

OCS is a WONDERFUL tool. I have used it in the past and love it. You have control over whether or not you send your image, and the real beauty of OCS is voice calls between PC's (like skype).

Reading your message I sense you may be from a generation where technology doesn't traditionally feature. If you have children, can I suggest you get them to show you MSN or skype.

If you are really against it, I would suggest a quiet word with your HR manager, stating why this makes you uncomfortable. You can still use the voice aspects of OCS with no issues though (is just like a phone).

HI
The employer I work for wants to install an OCS software device with a webcam on my computer and others in the midlands region to connect everyone for things like video conferencing. Due to many years of clinical depression I am totally against this. The last thing I want is to see myself on a computer monitor while communicating with others at other centres. Can anyone tell me if I can have the software for OCS installed but still use this without the need for a webcam? Where exactly do I stand in UK employment law? My job is difficult enough without dragging up my clinical depression from my recent past. Any comments appreciated.

I am searching or information and policy pertaining to webcam restriction/law in the workplace (United States), specifically more public locations such as the board room. Could you please advice where to find such parameters. Does this fall within regulation of CCTV?

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our workplace has experienced complicated times as of recent,first of all i work for a shopping centre security team & part of our job is to man the c.c.t.v!

the main office where we(the security team) mostly dwell has one exit through a downstairs lobby,which is used by management,contractors,security & certain members of public but about a year & a half ago the management installed a camera in that lobby facing the signing in book & the main door(as we were told)the main function of this camera was to "see who was at the door & to monitor contractors,public in the lobby from the control room! - no signage is installed to alert anyone to the fact but more alarming is the fact that now - certain staff who have been leaving early have been reprimanded & possible disciplinary action possibly leading to sacking is to take place all down to the information that has come from this camera...surely adequate signage should be in place before such disciplinary matters are even thought of? what does anyone think about that?....replies greatly appreciated..martin

This post has been removed because it contravened our guidelines.

This post has been removed because it contravened our guidelines.

This post has been removed because it contravened our guidelines.

I am aware that when a camera is in place, signs need to be put up to alert the public that they are entering an area under surveillance. But where does this apply:

To ALL camera users, anywhere?

or

To JUST companies?

In other words, does this apply to households, using cameras to protect their premesis?

I would say it definitely is. You are filming people who may be unaware of the cams, they have no idea if it is being recorded or not and people will be watching the scenes that are being broadcast. And not just to a security team. If it's a proper webcam then absolutely anyone may be watching. Creepy thought.

You have to have a CCTV sign even if you have 'Dummy' cameras to keep up the realism so surely anything that is classed as surveilance (Including small unobtrusive webcams) is covered without question.

Philip, hi and thank you for your comments, I didn't expect to get it so much in the neck when asking questions on this forum. I can understand you point and agree totally with it, but please Philip less strop

Take care

Mike

Sorry, John's comment came in as I was typing mine - he's the expert!

CCTV code of practice says 'CCTV or similar surveillance equipment' - what's a web cam if not that (if used for the same purpose)?

What's to stop a company recording the web cam images onto a computer hard drive? Our CCTV system is digital and doesn't have tape at all, so I could record from a web cam in exactly the same way I do for CCTV, to my PC. How would a member of public or member of staff know?

I can't speak for your company, but I'd make sure we had signs up. In these litigeous times a sign prevents a lot of lawyers bills!

Webcams can be considered like CCTV and therefore to the extent that your webcam enables living individuals to be identified, you must comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 because filming is a form of processing personal data.

In your case, if staff are being filmed it sounds as though you would be able to identify them and presumably you would also the be able to identify the members of the public on your courses, therefore, under the Act, you should be up-front about use of the cameras. The Act provides a possible exemption where the filming is carried out for the purposes of the prevention or detection of crime or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders and complying with the relevant provisions of the Act (eg. to tell people that you are filming them) would prejudice these purposes but this doesn't sound applicable in your case.

You can find a Code of Practice for CCTV issued by the Information Commissioner on www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk as well as a Code of Practice on the employer/employee relationship which refers to monitoring of staff. This explains the circumstances where covert monitoring can be justified.

In your case, it sounds as though you are absolutely right to ask for notices to be put up with the cameras. However, you may not need to go so far as to ask members of the public to sign a consent form if, under the Act, you can argue that it is in your legitimate business interests to use the cameras and your interests are not outweighed by any harm or prejudice to the individuals concerned - therefore if you use notices and take account of any legitimate objections, this may be sufficient.

If you want further help, please e-mail me at John.Salmon@masons.com.

Regards,

John Salmon

Partner, Masons

I thought it would be, and based my arguments surrounding CCTV legislation. They (the company) say that the images are not stored, and that it is just like a normal web cam you can access via the internet. I can see where they are comming from, but I also understand the requirements regarding the CCTV. I have on several occations turned the web cams off saying I want notices put up, only to find them turned on again. What I am looking for is a definative answer which way I have to go with this. I have no objections with the web cams as long as others are aware of there use and are able to have their say. The company is a brilliant company to work for, but some people do think they know better.

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Surely this would be akin to the CCTV rules which necessitate adequate signage and warnings?

They also require a control of who has access to the images.

The employer I work for has installed web cams throughout the building and also in training areas used by members of the public.

They say it is to advertise the training centre on the web and also to advertise the web cams.

I have asked for notices to be diplayed to inform members of the public about the web cams and also to ask members of the public to sign if they agree to be featured on the web cam as they are motorised units. My argument was the fact that some of the public may be battered wifes moved to this area, or just moving to this area to get away from someone or thing and if they were displayed on the Internet, this may create problems for them.

Am I being too fussy, or do I have a ligitamate argument. if so what advice would you suggest.

Thanks

Mike