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CCTV cameras outside homes must be declared
Homeowners with CCTV cameras outside their property have been warned to declare them now - or face a potentially hefty fine from next year.
Belgium updated its law on surveillance technology last year, in response to the growth of security mobile apps and cloud storage.
The transition period for the new rules runs until 25 May 2020, and police are planning to call at homes with cameras over the coming months to remind people ahead of the deadline.
If you have one or several cameras outside, you must declare it online at www.declarationcamera.be and place a warning sign at the entrance of your home.
Cameras must be oriented in such a way as to limit coverage of the public walkway and neighbouring properties. Images must be deleted within a month, unless they are needed for a police investigation.
"Residents should not be surprised to see a policeman ring their door to check if the owner has declared their camera," one local police force in Hainaut province told RTL.
More info on the rules governing CCTV cameras can be found at www.besafe.be
Comments
The Belgian government is a little too curious about what we do in our own homes. I get the part that it doesn't want us to film our neighbors' properties or what's on the sidewalk, but if I want to keep images of people coming to and going from my own front door, that's none of the government's business. Privacy goes both ways. I shouldn't snoop on my neighbors, but others (including the government) shouldn't snoop on my private life either.
Can anyone find me the English version of the law/act?
Wonder if it covers cameras inside the property looking out?
Dashcams?
Crash helmet cams?
Webcams?
surreal...I will put up a security camera anywhere I choose...
Maybe they are just laying the preparatory groundwork, so when they suddenly decide to introduce a ' security camera tax', they will already have sufficient taxable sitting ducks lined up.
If you're reading the new law, it's clearly geared toward cameras covering places where the public has access, so, as long as your camera covers only your own residence, I don't see why it should be registered. As far as dashcams or GoPro-type cameras, it looks like you should register them.
This is supposed to protect your privacy...?? Next they'll ask you register your Alexa or Cortana device, then they'll listen to what you say or do at home, in your car, at work. "Don't worry, if you have nothing to hide, there's nothing to worry about," they'll say. How long ago was 1984?