The closed-circuit television cameras CTTV Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) are devices used for surveillance and monitoring of spaces, both public and private. These cameras are part of a closed system, since the captured images are not transmitted publicly, but are sent to a specific network, such as a digital video recorder (DVR), a server or display monitors.
Use of closed-circuit television cameras (CTTV)
The Closed-circuit television (CCTV) technology is a key tool for the management of different areas of municipal life, such as citizen security, mobility or capacity management in closed spaces, among others. CCTV cameras are video surveillance devices that capture and transmit images in real time to a closed system that is only accessible by authorized users.
Intelligent closed-circuit television cameras (CTTVs)
In recent years, these cameras have evolved from passive surveillance devices to intelligent devices that favor the proactivity of the competent authorities. According to a 2023 study by Comparitech, Madrid and Barcelona are among the ten European cities with the highest number of CCTV cameras installed per 1,000 inhabitants.. While the Spanish capital ranks sixth with 4.19 devices, the Catalan capital is ninth with 2.41 cameras per 1,000 inhabitants.
Cities with more closed-circuit television cameras (CTTV)
|
Pos. |
City |
CCTV/1,000 inhabitants |
|
1 |
Moscow (Russia) |
16,88 |
|
2 |
St. Petersburg (Russia) |
13,49 |
|
3 |
London (United Kingdom) |
13,21 |
|
4 |
Berlin (Germany) |
7,72 |
|
5 |
Istanbul (Turkey) |
6,88 |
|
6 |
Madrid (Spain) |
4,19 |
|
7 |
Paris (France) |
4,04 |
|
8 |
Rome (Italy) |
3,59 |
|
9 |
Barcelona (Spain) |
2,41 |
|
10 |
Ankara (Turkey) |
2,12 |
The growing adoption of this technology in our municipalities has favored the debate between security and freedom of movement. the debate between security and freedomThis is especially true for its use in China, the world leader in the installation of video surveillance devices. In fact, according to the aforementioned Comparitech study, 39 of the 50 cities with the highest ratio of CCTV cameras per 1,000 inhabitants are Chinese.
But in our country a person’s image is considered personal data and is protected by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).. In addition, the facial recognition technologies that can be associated with a CCTV device are strictly regulated in the European Union through the EU Artificial Intelligence Act.
Steps to install a closed-circuit television (CTTV) camera in a municipality
Therefore, any municipality that wants to install a CCTV camera has to follow the following steps to ensure a rights-compliant use such as privacy:
- Evaluate the need for the installation and justify it.
- Keep a log of activities in which the purpose of the processing of video surveillance data, the legal basis or the persons concerned must be detailed.
- If the cameras record public spaces or there is a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals, a data protection impact assessment (DPA) must also be carried out. data protection impact assessment (DPA) to identify and mitigate risks. to identify and mitigate risks.
- Post information signs in monitored areas indicating that the area is under video surveillance, who is responsible for data processing and where to obtain more information on data protection.
In this regard, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has prepared a guide on the use of video cameras for security and other purposes. guide on the use of video cameras for security and other purposes, detailing key information which details the key information that must be taken into account in order to comply with the regulations.
Closed-circuit television cameras (CTTV) in Catalonia
In addition, in the case of Catalan municipalities that opt for video surveillance systems, Alphanet also takes care of their legalization before the Commission for the Control of Video Surveillance Devices of Catalonia (CCDVC)..
