Privacy Considerations:
Private sector privacy laws require that organizations' need to conduct video surveillance must be balanced with the individual's right to privacy, which includes the right to lead their lives free from scrutiny.
To help organizations achieve compliance with private sector privacy legislation, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Canada has developed Guidelines which set out the principles for evaluating the use of video surveillance and for ensuring that its impact on privacy is minimized. These Guidelines apply to overt video surveillance of the public by private sector organizations in publicly accessible areas.
The Board has also developed a checklist below to assist businesses in assessing whether they have met their privacy obligations prior to applying for the Security Camera Rebate Program. Please note this checklist is a tool for information only and does not constitute a legal document. The Board does not assess this information and is unable to certify whether a business has met its legal obligations under privacy or any other legislation. For additional information on how businesses must satisfy privacy obligations, the Board recommends contacting a legal professional or the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Privacy Planning Checklist for Businesses:
Has your business experienced incidents that warrant surveillance?
Does your business have a written policy regarding surveillance?
What kind of surveillance does your business plan to use/currently use (i.e. video, audio, other).
Will you post a clear, understandable notice about the use of cameras that is visible before individuals enter the premises?
In what areas of your business will cameras be installed?
How will your business limit collection of unnecessary personal information through camera placement?
How will your business limit access and prevent unauthorized viewing of the footage?
Will the data collected from the cameras be encrypted?
Will the data collected from the cameras be available through an online connection or on-site or both?
Will the data collected from the cameras be stored on an encrypted local device or a third party server or both?
How will the data collected from the cameras be destroyed?
This checklist is provided as an informational tool to assist business owners in complying with privacy legislation. Please complete and retain this checklist for your own records.