Are live stream web cams covered by the same legislation as CCTV cameras?

[Merrick]

Hello all, first off apologies if this is in the wrong forum section.

I work in a school in scotland. Next door we have a new school being built for us.

The school would like to setup a web cam to stream live 24/7 the goings on at the building site, direct to our school website.

I'm wondering if theres any legislation covering this kind of thing? does a webcam doing this count as a cctv camera or sorts? would we need writen permison from the contractors to record the site?

Any help you can give is apriciated.

Thanks

merr

[brian]

I've not seen anything come up that would restrict the use of something like a webcam, however, the critical issue may be storage of the information - ie, the deciding issue is not about filming something, but how much will be recorded and stored, and to what purpose.

[iStorm]

I think Brian has answered your question Merrick, Regards Iain

[Merrick]

Yeah thanks for that. Ive discovered that web cams do come under the same regs as all kinds of CCTV. Data protection is also involved.

Basicly if your streaming live without any recording and no one persons face or their assets (ie say their car reg number) is identifiable then you can use a webcam on site such as a school viewing some open space or what ever. If you record the data before streaming, take stills for time laps or anyone in the stream is identifiable then it falls under the CCTV regs.

I contacted the Information Commisinors office and some local councils. Its a minefield

[securityman]

I believe due to it an School your most likly already have an CCTV already fitted with signs in which that would cover but I am not an lawer in which I would recommend contact your Data Handler