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There are two frequent questions the Clearway CCTV team answers, and they are: Can my CCTV system record sound? And, is it legal to capture audio through CCTV? Here we’ll run through the options available if you require an audio-equipped CCTV system and the factors to consider when deciding if this is the best option for your security strategy.
Can CCTV Cameras Pick Up and Record Sound?
Can I Use Audio CCTV in My Business?
What are the Rules Around Recording Audio CCTV in the UK?
Can CCTV Cameras Pick Up and Record Sound?
In short, yes, they can. CCTV cameras can record audio, although this works differently depending on whether you have IP CCTV cameras or more traditional analogue cameras.
- Analogue cameras need to have audio input directly through the DVR (digital video recorder). Therefore, audio is captured in analogue and converted into digital at the recorder. This does mean there are limitations since DVRs have limited inputs, so you might need to choose which cameras capture sound.
- IP CCTV cameras are a more advanced option and are often recommended as the premium solution for business security systems. IP cameras collate audio data at the camera itself, and so the sound is digitised immediately. The sound quality is better, and more cameras can record audio simultaneously.
So, while we know that you can record sound, it’s also vital to consider whether it is legal. There are multiple laws around CCTV systems, primarily pertaining to personal privacy.
Can I Use Audio CCTV in My Business?
There are some instances where audio CCTV is invaluable, and the protection of public safety and workers outweighs the risks to personal privacy. Examples include:
- Bus or cab drivers where a panic button activates recording.
- Workplaces where audio CCTV is crucial to safety and all staff are aware.
In other premises, it’s all about considering the impact and how you will remain compliant with GDPR and the Data Protection Act.
Audio CCTV is often found in places such as call centres as a training tool. However, employees must know they are being recorded, why, who has access to the footage, and their rights if they want to reassess the processing of their data.
Key points include:
- It is illegal to record anybody without telling them. You cannot record workplace conversations without ensuring all individuals on site are aware of the recording, when it is active, and why it is in place.
- Sound quality relies on having excellent quality CCTV systems, and therefore a low-cost audio CCTV installation may have patchy quality and be impacted by interference and background noise.
- Audio CCTV is more expensive than image-only CCTV and isn’t a standard product. Most CCTV cameras are manufactured without microphone attachments, and therefore you will need to install a sound-enabled camera.
What are the Rules Around Recording Audio CCTV in the UK?
Most of the audio commercial CCTV rules are the same as those that apply to regular video monitoring – although a thorough impact assessment is required to ensure that you remain legally compliant.
Audio recording is considered far more privacy intrusive than image captures alone. Therefore, you are strongly advised to work through the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidance to ensure your processes and policies are up to date and followed comprehensively.
According to the ICO: “The use of recording equipment, such as CCTV or smart doorbells, to capture video or sound recordings outside the user’s property boundary is not a breach of data protection law.” However, CCTV Rules include:
- You cannot record conversations between members of the public. Audio CCTV must have a justifiable purpose, and that cannot be surveillance of private individuals.
- The only exceptions to this are panic buttons in taxis or police custody rooms.
- Workplace audio recordings are only permitted if you have a clear reason for the surveillance, and this reason is quantified by who views the footage, when, why, and how access permissions are managed.
Any person in a workplace with audio recording must be aware that both video and sound are being captured.
The legislation is all about protecting privacy rights, and so the usually GDPR rules also apply:
- Data captured must be stored and handled only by authorised personnel.
- You should have a CCTV policy or privacy policy outlining your internal controls.
- You must delete the information after a period set out in your policies (usually after 14 or 30 days).
- Surveillance footage must only be used for purposes as identified.
- Individuals have the right to request access to information stored about them and for this to be deleted.
- You cannot process data in any way outside of your policy or that contradicts the purpose of your audio CCTV.
There is a lot to think about here. It’s also worth noting that if you did have a camera with audio recording capability for a residential CCTV system, you would usually be advised to switch this function off to avoid contravening privacy laws.
As always, the critical factor is to determine the value behind having audio CCTV, assess whether the purpose is permissible under GDPR legislation, and conduct impact assessments and record keeping demonstrating responsible audio CCTV usage.
FAQs
Whilst CCTV, when GDPR compliant, is legal, the ISO has further guidance on audio recording. They outline that you cannot plainly record conversations between members of the public, unless within your property boundaries, or use CCTV audio recording as an act of surveillance on private individuals.
Is recording audio on CCTV illegal in the UK? ›
CCTV with microphones or the ability to record audio is illegal in the UK, with certain exceptions (police holding rooms or panic buttons in vulnerable situations such as taxis). You are not allowed to record conversations between the general public or private discussions, including in the workplace.
Is there CCTV that can record voice? ›
A CCTV camera's main purpose is to capture video from the lens and store it onto a hard drive or microSD card. However, some cameras also record audio. They have a built-in microphone that's weatherproof and can record sound continuously.
Can you listen to audio on CCTV? ›
Can you hear on security cameras? Users can hear what the security camera picks up if it has a microphone. IP security cameras commonly have microphones. Traditional CCTV, which uses coaxial cables to transmit data, rarely supports audio, not least of all because the cables can't transmit it.
How do I know if my CCTV can record audio? ›
You'll have to look for the camera; just keep an eye out for multiple holes in a circular shape at the back of the device. Although the cluster of holes does not comprise a microphone, it is a good enough indication that the security camera possesses audio capabilities. Not all speakers will be as visual and apparent.
Can I sue someone for voice recording me without my permission UK? ›
Recording conversations without consent in the UK can lead to civil claims for damages and criminal prosecution.
How far can CCTV record audio? ›
Audio Quality Of Home Security Cameras
As you can see in the table, most audio CCTV cameras have decent microphones that will pick up sound from a distance of around 15 feet. If you need to record audio from further away than that, you may want to consider getting a camera with an external microphone.
What kind of CCTV camera record voice? ›
Analog security cameras with a built-in microphone send audio combined with the video signal. You simply need a HD Siamese Cable or a roll of RG59 Siamese Coax to transmit the signal along with power.
Can you talk through CCTV? ›
Talking CCTV is a CCTV surveillance camera that is equipped with a speaker to allow an operator to speak to the people at the CCTV-monitored site.
Can I record audio on my property? ›
In California, the legality of using audio recording devices, such as placing a recorder on the other side of a fence to capture a neighbor's conversations, is governed by strict privacy laws. California is known as a "two-party consent" state, which means recording private conversations requires the consent of all ...
Audio detection in CCTV systems adds an extra layer of security by enabling cameras to pick up sounds and noises within their range. This feature allows for detecting potential intruders even before they come into view.
How do you tell if you are being recorded? ›
9 Signs You Are Being Recorded
- Check for Built-in Indicators: Most video call platforms display notifications or icons when recording. ...
- Watch for Software Signs: Red dots or pop-up notifications can signal recording. ...
- Listen for Beeps: Some platforms use periodic audio signals during recording.
Cameras record video footage continuously, 24/7, regardless of motion or activity. Cameras record only when motion is detected, conserving storage space. Recording is based on a predefined schedule, such as specific hours or days. Cameras initiate recording based on events like door/window sensor triggers or alarms.
Is it illegal to record sound on CCTV in the UK? ›
If you continue recording without consent, it is illegal. You do not need to gain two-party consent, in the same way, for outdoor audio recording on or outside of the perimeters of your property. However, if someone asks you to stop recording, you should make every effort to do so, if possible.
Can CCTV work without internet? ›
Yes, they can! You can operate CCTV cameras without the internet, and what's great is that they can even work without electricity. An internet connection is only required when the footage needs to be accessed remotely. Although using the internet has its benefits, it is certainly not a necessity.
Does a CCTV camera record without electricity? ›
In short, CCTV won't work without electricity. They depend on having a reliable, always-on power source to function, however, this doesn't have to be a main power source. CCTV can be powered wirelessly, through battery or solar means when there is no mains power available.
Can my employer watch and listen to me on CCTV UK? ›
Installing workplace cameras and surveillance is generally legal in the UK, as long as the kind of surveillance does not breach the employees' privacy rights (we'll cover this in more detail later in this article).
What is considered illegal surveillance in the UK? ›
It is illegal to use any kind of surveillance in areas where individuals would expect privacy, such as in changing rooms, locker rooms, or toilets, unless in exceptional circ*mstances where there is a legal issue and this action has been approved by the police.
Is CCTV admissible in court UK? ›
Yes, CCTV footage can serve as evidence in court for proving someone was at a particular location or for proving that a crime was committed.
Is it illegal to film carers in your home in the UK? ›
Filming carers in your home in the UK is legal. However, it is vital to ensure that you are not violating anyone's privacy rights when doing so. If you are thinking about installing surveillance equipment, make sure to check your contract with the care agency and get permission from your loved one before proceeding.
