Watchdog eyeing up CCTV

CCTV operators may soon be banned from recording people's voices if a new code of practice for the technology's use is approved.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a new set of guidelines for the use of CCTV, now open for public consultation.

The updated guidelines suggest CCTV must not be used to record conversations between members of the public as it is "highly intrusive and unlikely to be justified".

The ICO also provides guidance on when it would be appropriate to retain and disclose CCTV images - to aid a police investigation, for example.

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The code of practice is aimed at helping companies and organisations that regularly capture images of individuals on CCTV to comply with the Data Protection Act.

Jonathan Bamford, assistant commissioner at the ICO, said it is clear CCTV has public support, due to its crime prevention benefits, but it is vital the tech is used responsibly to keep the public on side.

The ICO is now asking for comments from those organisations and individuals potentially affected by the changes in the code, with the consultation period due to end in October.