Honble Lt. Governor constitutes a High Level Committee under the chairmanship of Pr. Secretary Home, GNCTD to evolve a standard operating procedure/ framework for installation, operation, monitoring of CCTVs and other related issues.

मुख्य पृष्ठ/ / Honble Lt. Governor Constitutes a High Level Committee Under The Chairmanship of Pr. Secretary Home, GNCTD To Evolve a Standard Operating Procedure/ Framework For Installation, Operation, Monitoring of CCTVs and Other Related Issues.
08-05-2018

Hon’ble Lt. Governor constitutes a High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of Pr. Secretary (Home), GNCTD to evolve a standard operating procedure/ framework for installation, operation, monitoring of CCTVs and other related issues.
CCTV – effective tool for law enforcement but privacy concerns also need to be addressed.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address the issues of uniformity in installation as well as issues of privacy, security, feed-sharing, integration & optimum utilization.
While finalizing its report, the Committee shall mandatorily consult all major users – departments/ agencies/ local bodies concerned, for their inputs/ suggestions.
CCTVs (Close Circuit Televisions) are being installed all over the world in public spaces and have become an important tool for law enforcement authorities. The primary objectives of installation of CCTVs are, inter alia, enhancing security, preventing and detecting crime and supporting criminal investigation. CCTVs are also an effective tool for facilitating safety of women, aged and vulnerable sections of the society.

While the use of surveillance cameras helps improve safety and prevent incidents of crimes, there have been reported instances of misuse of CCTVs for intrusion and compromises on privacy / safety of individuals. The use of the surveillance camera system should not be permitted to become a tool to violate privacy of individuals which is considered to be a fundamental right. The privacy concerns related to installation of CCTVs have therefore, to be addressed appropriately and effectively. There must be clear responsibility and accountability for all surveillance camera system activities including images and information collected, held and used. For these reasons, elsewhere in the world, regulatory / policy framework for installation and operation of CCTVs are in place. Internationally, best practices regarding the use of electronic devices include: ensuring effective administration of the equipment, ensuring proper security measures over recorded material, limiting the disclosure of recorded material in ways consistent with the purpose of the use, and when applicable, providing public notice of the use of the devices.

In view of the above, there is an urgent need to establish a standard operating procedure (SOP)/ framework for installation, operation, monitoring of CCTVs in public spaces and other related issues.

Therefore, Hon’ble Lt. Governor has constituted a high-level Committe e in this regard, which will be headed by Pr. Secretary (Home), GNCTD.

Keeping in view the need to ensure that CCTVs are used in the most effective way to support public safety and law enforcement, the Committee will recommend the following:

  1. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) / Regulatory Framework for installation, operation, monitoring and other issues related to CCTVs in public spaces, taking into account the relevant laws / rules / judicial pronouncements and best practices adopted in the country / abroad,
  2. Norms for installation of CCTVs in public places,
  3. Authorized agencies / officers for grant of permission to individuals / institutions for installation of CCTVs in public places and laid down protocol for their use,
  4.  Norms regarding storage, monitoring, access and sharing of CCTV footage with the government authorities, keeping in view the privacy and security concerns including erasure / final disposal of recorded footage, evidentiary value of images, etc.,
  5. Mechanism for informing members of public/ affected parties that they are under surveillance, wherever applicable,
  6. System for effective review and audit,
  7. Mechanism for oversight and enforcement of the SOP/ Regulatory Framework and
  8. Any other issue which Committee may find relevant for ensuring privacy while maximizing benefits from technology.

Hon’ble Lt. Governor has directed that while finalizing its report, the Committee shall mandatorily consult all major users – departments/ agencies/ local bodies concerned, for their inputs/ suggestions.

The report of the Committee would be submitted within a period of 30 days.

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