Deliberations on Webcams Operation Prepared by Mr David Burian XIX Case Handling Workshop Prague, 12 – 13 March 2009

2 The notion of video surveillance (CCTV) refers to systems enabling not a simple monitoring but also recording and storage of data (of special concern being systems that capture images of identifiable individuals). Webcams (OCTV) are devices enabling to transmit images of the outer reality to publicly accessible websites.

Some facts about webcam Webcams have been used on the internet since years. Webcams mostly don´t offer genuine real-time (live) transmission. They often produce only one frame per second or even per hour. It is not a direct video but continuously renewing photos. The monitored persons mostly don´t know that they are in vision, nor are they aware of the purpose for which are monitored. Captures from webcams are available to anybody via Internet and can be processed uncontrollably (stored, transferred, etc.).

Any public interest or legal authorisation to operate webcams? There is none. It implies that personal data via webcams may only be processed with data subject´s consent.

There are essentially two possibilities of legal use: - the webcam is deployment in a way preventing identification of the monitored person, - the persons concerned give consent with the monitoring.

Type of Webcams With storage of the output (archive of images of the monitored space). Without output storage.

Use of webcams Webcams are used both by private and public entities. Known place (square, street) – very popular with municipalities as presentation tool. Support of travel industry View of the whole town or village, main roads, touristic destinations. Shops, restaurants, swimming pools, schools, hotels. kj hp

Subject of monitoringPercentage of webcams % Cities (capital, historical, streets, squares) 46,29 Scenery (downhill course, beach, mountain, lake, sea, torrent, volcano, island) 32,19 Important buildings, castles, forts, churches, statues 5,54 Landing-places and ships4,59 Leisure amenities (hotels, spas, ski areas) 3,84 Traffic3,37 Other4,06

Part of worldPercentage of webcams % Africa0,42 Antarctica0,33 Asia2,6 Australia and Oceania2,56 Europe72,2 South America2,37 North America18 Mesoamerica1,47

Most frequent problems related to webcam Unsufficient employement of other means that might more effectively meet the purpose pursued by the controller. False interpretation of the notion of privacy; it goes hand in hand with poor awareness in the area of privacy protection. False deployment of camera surveillance system leads to processing of inadequate personal data that are not necessary for fulfilment of the defined purpose.

Interesting links focused on Czech webcams. provides information on webcams all over the world.

Thank you for your attention! david burian (david. March 2009