Guidance on the use of CCTV in Residential Care Settings

This guidance, developed by the DPC in collaboration with the Mental Health Commission, is designed to help organisations operating in residential settings meet their data protection obligations. The use of video monitoring technologies such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), depending on whether it is recorded or live view monitoring, may involve the processing of personal data, and fall within the scope of data protection law. This document sets out clear, practical guidelines and highlights the additional considerations that apply to the use of monitoring technologies across care settings.

It builds on the DPC's ongoing work on adult safeguarding, following the launch of our Safeguarding Toolkit, and reflects the priorities set out in the DPC's Regulatory Strategy 2022–2027, which places particular emphasis on protecting children and other vulnerable groups. Through continued engagement with stakeholders — including service providers, advocacy groups, and regulatory bodies — the DPC aims to support organisations working with at-risk adults in understanding their data protection obligations, particularly in the context of monitoring technologies.

Guidance on the use of CCTV in Residential Care Settings is now available to download (1.1MB, PDF)