A hidden surveillance camera was discovered in a fitting room by a store employee.

Entering one of the clothing stores, I witnessed an unfolding squabble. The girl’s mother, who discovered a video camera in the fitting room, furiously attacked the staff and the owner of the boutique.

As it became clear from the “raised voice” conversation, the young girl was recently hired as a salesperson. And at some point, I was suddenly surprised to discover that there was a “hidden camera” installed in the women’s fitting room, which I told my mother about at home. The next day, the fury came to the store and blamed the owner for everything.

It is clear that the businessman, “taken by surprise,” began to deny it, claiming that “it was not him, but some kind of pervert” who installed the camera. And he himself has nothing to do with her.

I don’t know how it ended, I went on about my business. But, as they say, “a sediment remains.” When I arrived home, I decided to see what the law says about such acts. And find out for yourself how not to get into an unpleasant situation.

After all, if you suddenly discover that some pervert is spying on you in the fitting room of a store, who has installed a camera there (it is even quite possible that it is being recorded (!), which can “go for a walk on the Internet”), then you urgently need to report it to the police.

Cameras in the workplace and protection of the rights of employees (and visitors) of a business enterprise or store

Unfortunately, in recent years there have been a growing number of reports of employees being recorded (video or audio) in their workplaces, often without their prior consent (and without informing the employer).

Installing a camera in the workplace is often done under the pretext of the safety of the employer’s property, objects on site, as well as the safety of the workers themselves from unethical behavior or incidents in the workplace. But in fact, this is a first-class opportunity for an employer to monitor employees and the “zeal” with which they work.

Is it legal to install a camera in the workplace?
Despite the negative social aspect of the issue, the placement of photo-recording materials in workplaces is, in principle, permissible and legal, but subject to many conditions and restrictions for the employer. And, of course, first of all, ONLY after he informed and brought to the attention of his employees the issue of placing security cameras in the workplace.

Where is it allowed and where is it forbidden to place a camera?
Cameras can be posted in shops, cafes and restaurants at entry and exit points, but without capturing images of public places, cash registers and money storage areas, as well as warehouses and parking areas.

Not allowed place the camera in commercial stores – areas where staff work and where customers have access, or in employee offices. At the same time, recording of meeting areas (tables with visitors) or recreational/entertainment areas is prohibited in cafes, bars and restaurants. And of course, it is not allowed to place cameras in the kitchen (catering establishments) or in changing rooms (fitting rooms), toilets, etc.

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That is, it is prohibited to install tracking systems in places where the right to privacy is violated.

What are the responsibilities of an employer who has installed cameras in the workplace?
After an employer installs a video surveillance system in the workplace, he becomes responsible for the processing of personal data recorded by him and must comply with the relevant provisions of the law. In particular, as mentioned above, the employer is obliged to inform both employees and clients about the presence of a video surveillance system in the premises, even by posting a corresponding sign at the entrance to a business or store.

Besides, the employer is obliged to notify the personal data protection authority about the installation of a video surveillance system before the start of its operation. Finally, the employer must respect the basic constitutional rights of the individual, privacy, and protect the honor and dignity of the individual.

What are the rights of an employee if video surveillance is illegally installed at his workplace?
First of all, it should be emphasized that recording data from cameras for the purpose of monitoring an employee and checking his performance is illegal and any accompanying materials, on the one hand, cannot be used as a valid reason for dismissal, on the other hand, this constitutes an illegal action on the part of employer and entails heavy fines.

The employee also retains the right to access his personal data recorded and to object to their processing. This means that the employee has the right to demand that the employer provide him with copies of materials recorded by security cameras in his workplace, as well as to request an explanation of the reasons why the recording was made.

The employer is obliged to provide such information to the employee. In case of refusal the employee has the right to contact an independent body for the protection of personal data and report the incident in writing.

The agency, in addition to retaining the right to impose high administrative fines, may oblige the employer to remove security cameras from the workplace if they were installed illegally.

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