Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the “whoiswatchingme” site work?
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The Who Is Watching Me? website allows CCTV system owners to ensure that they comply with current legislation regarding the Data Protection Act. It is essential that where systems are operated, anyone who is likely to be captured on camera can identify who is operating the scheme.
Each of our CCTV Warning Stickers & Signs carry a unique serial number with which the owner of a CCTV system can register their CCTV system or scheme.
Anyone wishing to find out who is operating a particular system/scheme is directed by the signage to log on to this website and by entering the unique serial number from the sign, they can instantly see who operates the site and view their contact details.
- What is a CCTV System?
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CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) can have several configurations. It is generally accepted that a ‘CCTV System’ would encompass interconnected cameras, viewing equipment (monitors), a recording device and more commonly now a network connection to allow monitoring from a remote site.
- What is a Scheme?
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A scheme refers to a CCTV system that is run on one particular site. For example, this may be a single CCTV camera covering the entrance to a shop or a 32 camera system that covers a multi-storey car-park.
- Who is the Scheme Operator?
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A scheme operator refers to an individual or organisation who has responsibility for the operation of a particular CCTV System. Often this individual/organisation will also be called the ‘Data Controller’, a term which refers to those responsible for adhering to all aspects of Data Protection Legislation.
- Where do I buy the signage from that I can register on this site?
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There are a wide number CCTV installers, electrical and security wholesalers and on-line resellers of the Who Is Watching Me? Signage products. Contact us for a list.
- How does a member of the public find out who is the scheme operator?
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The Who Is Watching Me? website is open to all. Once on the site, click on the “Find a Scheme Operator” link or here. By entering the unique serial number from the CCTV warning sign or sticker, a member of the general public can access the contacts details of the individual or organisation that is operating a particular CCTV scheme.
- Do I need signage for a business with CCTV installed?
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The simple answer is yes. Although there are exceptions, primarily private households and some organisations, there is a duty by all scheme operators to respect an individual's privacy and basic human rights. This means ensuring that if individuals are likely to be captured on a CCTV system, that they must to be informed of such using appropriate signage.
- Do I need signage for my home?
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No, private households are not bound by the Data Protection Act 1998.
- What is the benefit of using the Who Is Watching Me signage?
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The Who Is Watching Me signage provides an off-the-shelf solution for CCTV scheme operators. The unique serial numbered signage and website registration process allows CCTV system operators to supply their contact details to members of the general public without the need for expensive personalised signage.
The scheme operators can amend their contact personnel details when staff leave the company, update contact telephone number or e-mail address at no extra cost to themselves.
- How do I find out more about the Data Protection Act?
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Further information on the DPA & CCTV Code of Practice can be found on our “Downloads & Links” page or by directly contacting the Information Commissioner's Office.
- Web: www.ico.gov.uk
- TEL: 01625 545740
- FAX: 01625 545748
- POST: The Information Commissioners Office
- Wycliffe House,
- Water Lane,
- Wilmslow,
- Cheshire,
- SK9 5AF.
- Do you have a summary of the CCTV Code of Practice or Data Protection Act on this site?
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Yes further information and resources about the full DPA can be found on our “Downloads & Links” page.
- What size signage do I need?
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According to the guidelines for good CCTV practice, when a person enters an area where CCTV images are being recorded of them, they should be made aware of this by visible signage.
Signage should be visible depending on how the person approached the area that is being recorded. For example,
An A4 Sign is suggested for positioning at ‘head height’ so that passing individuals can be made aware of a scheme. Where it is likely that passing drivers need to be kept informed of the operation of a scheme an A3 sign is suggested.
- How many signs do I need?
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There is no specific legislation, which dictates how many signs are required but operators need to remember that they have a duty to inform others of the existence of a CCTV scheme. For example every access point to an area that is covered by CCTV should be signposted.
- Why not just get the signage printed with my details on it?
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One of the great advantages of using the Who Is Watching Me? scheme is that the individual serial numbers can be re-assigned. In other words, if your details change you don't need to re-print expensive signs, you simple make the appropriate changes to your on-line account here.
This is also a great advantage where individuals are named as scheme operators; as staff move on there is no need to replace signs, simply update your details on-line.
- What is the specification of the “whoiswatchingme” signage?
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Please see our “Products” page for individual Sign & Sticker specs.
- Can I register more than one sign to the same site?
- Yes, you can register as many as you want that will all share the same site and contact details.