Body-Worn Cameras and GDPR: What Organisations Need to Know
As body-worn cameras become a standard tool across security, retail, transport, healthcare and local authorities, questions around privacy and data protection are more important than ever. Organisations deploying body-worn cameras must ensure they balance the benefits of increased safety and transparency with their legal responsibilities under GDPR.
At BodiCam, compliance is not an afterthought. GRPR considerations are built into our technology, our Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) and the way we support customers from deployment through to day-to-day use.
GDPR applies to body-worn camera footage because video and audio recordings can contain personal data. In some cases, they may also capture special category data, depending on the context of the recording. This means organisations must have a clear and lawful basis for using body-worn cameras, such as public task, legitimate interests, or legal obligation, depending on the sector and use case. Having a defined purpose for recording is essential and should be clearly documented.
Transparency is a key principle of GDPR. Individuals have the right to know when they are being recorded and why. Organisations using body-worn cameras should ensure that staff provide clear verbal notifications during interactions and that visible signage is in place where appropriate. Clear privacy notices help explain how footage is used, how long it is retained, and how individuals can exercise their rights.
Another important requirement is data minimisation. Body-worn cameras should not record continuously or unnecessarily. Instead, recording should be limited to specific incidents or interactions in line with organisational policy. BodiCam systems support controlled activation, helping organisations ensure that only relevant footage is captured. This reduces privacy intrusion while still providing effective protection for staff and the public.
Secure storage and controlled access are fundamental to GDPR compliance. Once footage is recorded, it must be protected against unauthorised access, alteration or loss. BodiCam's secure evidence management platform uses encryption, role-based access controls, and full audit trails to safeguard data at every stage. Only authorised users can view or export footage, and every action is logged to support accountability.
Retention is another area where organisations must take care. GDPR requires that personal data is kept only for as long as it is necessary for its intended purpose. BodiCam systems allow organisations to set clear retention periods, with automated deletion once footage is no longer required. This reduces the risk of over-retention and ensures compliance without relying on manual processes.
Individuals also have rights in relation to their personal data, including the right to access. Organisations must be able to locate and disclose relevant footage efficiently in response to subject access requests, while also protecting the rights of others captured in the recording. BodiCam's evidence management tools support secure review, redaction where appropriate, and controlled sharing to help organisations meet these obligations.
Beyond the technology, policies and training play a crucial role in GDPR compliance. Staff must understand when to activate cameras, how to inform members of the public, and how footage is handled. At BodiCam, we support organisations with guidance and best practice to ensure body-worn cameras are used responsibly and lawfully from day one.
When implemented correctly, body-worn cameras and GDPR are not in conflict. With a clear purpose, transparency, secure systems and strong governance, organisations can use body-worn cameras to improve safety and accountability while fully respecting individual privacy rights.
BodiCam's approach ensures that compliance is built into every stage of the process, giving organisations confidence that their body-worn camera deployment is both effective and lawful.
