hi.

you said that "3,500 CCTV systems are not registered under the Data Protection Act". how do i find out the owner/maintainer of a cctv? is there a legal way to request a contact/name?

lets say i think that the CCTV some streets from here is registered but misused, whom do i have to contact?

That's a good question. Presumably we have to make a Freedom of Information request for a list of all the CCTV systems which are Data Protection Act / Human Rights Act compliant, or a specific request for individual systems. I've been phoning my local Information Commissioner for verification of that but haven't been able to get past the telephone answering system yet. I'd suggest you contact these people directly too, and update here if you learn anything please.


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The Scottish number which put me on a telephone answering system yesterday has now been disconnected today. I emailed but never got a response. I phoned the London office who gave me this number 01625545700. I was treated to a selection of classical music for the next ten minutes, and I'd almost identified what the music was when a person interrupted and drew me back to reality.

I was told that the information is available online ( somewhere unspecified ) but not in a useful form. I was told I'd have to make a specific FOI request to these people, who would respond with 21 working days. I asked if there would be a charge and was told that depends on the nature of your request and whether the person I eventually talk to decides to charge me.

I've read a lot of Kafka and know many civil servants so I enjoy this sort of stuff. If you are easily frustrated you'd be better off leaving this to me, but if red-tape doesn't bother you then write to these people:

 informationrequestteam@ico.gsi.gov.uk

every cctv operator by law must make available a public information leaflet outlining the uses for the system, and how to go about gettting acces to your data.

if it's a camera on a pole in the street it's probably operated by the local council if it's on a commercial building it's likely to be a private system.