Security cameras may breach laws

The laws on using CCTV cameras vary across Europe.

But a ruling during the week from the European Court of Justice could change that.

The court heard about a man whose windows were broken by vandals but who caught their antics on film thanks to surveillance cameras.

He handed it to the police, who used it to find and prosecute the suspects. But the Czech court asked for guidance on whether in fact having CCTV in public places violates the EU’s data protection laws.

The Luxembourg judges said that it does but added that it could be used in the prevention and prosecution of crime.