On July 30, 2024, the Saxon data protection authority (SächsDSB) announced the publication of a new edition of the guide, 'Beware of the camera!' which outlines information and conditions on the use of video surveillance.

Background

The SächsDSB stated that it saw a 20% increase in complaints regarding video surveillance in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, exclusively due to cases of private individuals or companies using such surveillance. Furthermore, the SächsDSB highlighted that most cases involve data protection violations.

Regarding fines, the SächsDSB outlined that by the end of June 2024, five fines, ranging from €100 to €900, were related to video cameras in vehicles and stationary cameras in apartment buildings. A commercial business was also fined €30,000 for video and audio surveillance affecting customers in a parking lot, drivers, passers-by, especially children, neighbors on private property, and employees at an adjacent construction site.

Content of the guide

The SächsDSB highlighted that the guide took into account the decision of the Saxon Constitutional Court of January 2024 regarding police surveillance of endangered public facilities or establishments.

Furthermore, the guide outlines legal situations for the most common processing activities, including video surveillance of employees, in the neighborhood, in allotments, on construction sites, in restaurants, in retail, in leisure facilities, in medical facilities, in public transport, in cars, and with drones. 

You can read the press release here and the guide here, both only available in German.