Do you have a Ring, Blink or Eufy video doorbell? You could be at risk of being fined £1,000.
It comes as a tech expert has warned households about the dangers of installing a video doorbell on their property due to a “widely misunderstood” legal risk.
Many unknowingly cross a “critical line” under UK data protection law the moment they point a camera too far down the garden path, capturing nearby neighbour’s private property.
By not following one simple check, this could result in an expensive legal battle, carrying the potential for a hefty fine and the requirement to pay legal costs.
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Can video doorbells breach GDPR in the UK?
James Clarke, PC and consumer tech expert at Cacti PCs, suggests that the root of the problem is a failure to understand the “private space” rule.
Clarke explained: “The convenience of a video doorbell has led to millions of quick, DIY installations where homeowners don’t consider the legal implications.
“When you’re recording someone walking up your own driveway, you’re fine.
“But the instant that lens captures a neighbour’s private property, their garden, their front door, or a window, you’ve just become a data controller under UK law.”
He continued: “This triggers the strict rules of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“Your neighbour has a right to privacy, and by continuously recording their private space, you can be found to be in breach.
“A £1,000 fine is a real possibility, but the much larger financial risk is having to pay for the other side’s legal fees.”
Are there privacy concerns with video doorbells? How to avoid
Clarke has stressed three easy tips that people can do to avoid any legal issues surrounding video doorbells and privacy concerns.
The ‘privacy zone’ check
He advises: “Most smart doorbells and security cameras have a ‘Privacy Zone’ or ‘Block Out’ feature within the app.
“This allows you to draw a black box over any part of the camera’s view that covers a neighbour’s private space (e.g., their patio or a specific window).
“This area will be digitally obscured and not recorded.
“If your camera points at anything other than your own property, you must use this feature.”
The 25% rule
The tech expert said: “As a general rule, if more than 25% of your camera’s field of view captures a neighbour’s property or a shared boundary, you are likely in violation.
“Simply tilting the camera down by a few degrees, focusing the view more on your immediate doorstep and path rather than the horizon, can often solve the problem instantly.”
Did you know video doorbells can breach GDPR in the UK? (Image: Nick Beer/Getty)
The microphone trap
Clarke commented: “Don’t forget that video doorbells also record sound.
“Even if the video is legally compliant, recording conversations on a neighbour’s property can also be a breach of their privacy.
“If your camera has a sensitive microphone that picks up dialogue from their garden, you should look into adjusting the sound recording sensitivity or, if possible, restricting its range.”
Do I need permission to install a video doorbell?
Eufy states: “In the UK, you don’t usually have to ask permission to use a doorbell camera, but if it captures areas outside your property, it’s best to be open about it.
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“A small sign by your entrance can do the job.
“Letting people know they’re on camera keeps things clear, avoids misunderstandings, and helps you stay in line with doorbell camera laws UK.”
Did you know that having a video doorbell could be breaking GDPR law? Let us know in the comments below.