What the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) code of practise says about CCTV signage

You must let people know that they are in an area where CCTV surveillance is being carried out.

• • The most effective way of doing this is by using prominently placed signs at the entrance to the CCTV zone and reinforcing this with further signs inside the area
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• • This message can also be backed up with an audio announcement, where public announcements are already used, such as in a station.
• • Clear and prominent signs are particularly important where the cameras themselves are very discreet, or in locations where people might not expect to be under surveillance.
• • As a general rule, signs should be more prominent and frequent where it would otherwise be less obvious to people that they are on CCTV.
• • In the exceptional circumstance that audio recording is being used, this should be stated explicitly and prominently.

Signs should:

• • Be clearly visible and readable.
• • Contain details of the organisation operating the system, the purpose for using CCTV and who to contact about the scheme (where these things are not obvious to those being monitored); and be an appropriate size depending on context, for example, whether they are viewed by pedestrians or car drivers.

Signs do not need to say who is operating the system if this is obvious. If CCTV is installed within a shop, for example, it will be obvious that the shop is responsible.

• • All staff should know what to do or who to contact if a member of the public makes an enquiry about the CCTV system.
• • Systems in public spaces and shopping centres should have signs giving the name and contact details of the company, organisation or authority responsible.

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