"Unmasking Mystery: Uncovering the Identities through Video-Surveillance Techniques"
In the realm of modern home security, doorbell cameras have become increasingly popular. These devices, which resemble surveillance cameras, allow homeowners to respond to ringing even when they're not at home and display visitors on a smartphone. However, concerns about privacy and data protection have been raised, particularly when these cameras can be activated by movement, manually, or via smartphone.
The Data Protection Conference, a prominent European privacy authority, has offered some recommendations for responsible use of doorbell cameras. They suggest that these devices should not be used in living areas where they can be activated by movement, manually, or via smartphone. Moreover, permanent and unjustified transmission of public spaces should be technically excluded for doorbell cameras.
The same legal regulations apply to doorbell cameras as to surveillance cameras. This means that doorbell cameras should be installed in a way that they only capture their own property and do not allow a view of neighbours' gardens or houses. They should not film pedestrians, and a doorbell camera is legally unobjectionable only if it is activated only after ringing, if no permanent storage takes place, if it does not capture more space than a glance through the peephole would allow, and if the transmission automatically breaks off after a few seconds.
Beyond the specific recommendations from the Data Protection Conference, general best practices for video surveillance devices like doorbell cameras include ensuring cameras are positioned to capture only necessary areas, implementing access controls and monitoring systems to protect stored footage, using secure networks for wireless doorbell cameras, and considering the ease of user control over camera functions and data, particularly for vulnerable users like seniors.
When it comes to purchasing a doorbell camera, it's crucial to check and clarify the points of internet and power supply. All tested video doorbells require electricity and an internet connection. Some doorbell cameras have a WLAN connection and battery for power supply, while others, like the Unifi G4 Doorbell Pro PoE Kit from Ubiquiti, are connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable and draw power over this network cable. The Unifi G4 Doorbell Pro, priced at 340 euros, does not require a subscription.
Stiftung Warentest and its Belgian partner organization "Test-Achats" have examined 26 video doorbells priced between 50 and 340 euros. Before making a purchase, it's advisable to consult the official publications or statements of the Data Protection Conference or relevant privacy authorities for precise and authoritative guidelines on doorbell cameras. By following these guidelines, homeowners can ensure their use of doorbell cameras is both secure and respectful of privacy.
- To adhere to privacy and data protection guidelines, it's essential not to use smart-home devices like doorbell cameras in living areas where they can be activated by movement, manually, or via smartphone, as suggested by the Data Protection Conference.
- When deciding on a doorbell camera, it's crucial to ensure secure networks for wireless devices and understand the privacy policies regarding internet and power supply, such as those provided by the official publications or statements of the Data Protection Conference.
