United Kingdom

[GB] Potential TV Ban for Security Camera Footage

IRIS 1998-3:1/21

Stefaan Verhulst

PCMLP University of Oxford

The UK Home Office fears that entertainment programmes' increasing use of video footage from security cameras is undermining public confidence in closed circuit television and may ban broadcasters from using such material. This follows a report published at the end of February by the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology, in which the Committee recommends that the UK Government establish a uniform policy on the control and release of CCTV (closed-circuit television system) derived images from publicly owned surveillance. Legislation would prevent the prurient use of material but would still allow police forces to broadcast film in order to catch criminals. At present, bodies which receive government money for the installation of security cameras are prohibited from using footage for commercial gain, but no such restrictions apply to private companies.