Webcams and privacy
The Data Protection Act 1998 and the Data Protection Commissioner's Code of Practice on CCTV restrict the use of webcams in some circumstances. Operators should think carefully in advance about privacy and consent issues. See Section 16: Law on the Data Protection Act.
The BBC should only operate a webcam for a clear editorial reason. It should be removed when that purpose has been achieved. Webcams should not be installed to capture close-up images of private areas such as houses, gardens or offices without the written permission of the owner. For guidance on the stringent requirements necessary to justify any surreptitious recording see Section 6: Privacy of the Editorial Guidelines.
Webcams in studios
Where webcams are installed in BBC studios, the programme producer should warn guests in advance that a studio webcam will be in operation. This is particularly important for radio guests who may not expect to be in vision. If radio guests refuse to be on a webcam feed then we should respect their wishes. Visitors and staff should also be made aware of studio operated webcams. The producer should be able to cut the live feed to the site immediately. The same policy applies to feeds from non-BBC studios where we are recording interviews. More detailed guidelines covering the use of webcams on BBC premises are available from HR Policy Manager, BBC People.
Webcams in public and semi-public spaces
The need to warn people that they may be on camera does not arise if individuals are not identifiable from the webcam output. But where individuals are likely to be identifiable, for example where a webcam transmits a sufficiently high level of detail at a live event or outside broadcast, staff responsible for the webcam should take reasonable steps to warn members of the public that a webcam is being operated by the BBC within a defined area. This can be done by notices outside the venue and a line on posters or tickets.
If a webcam is to operate in a public space like a street or a park, the same rule applies. If individuals can be clearly identified, the operator should put a warning notice near the webcam.
More guidance on how the Data Protection Act and the Code of Practice on CCTV affect webcams can be obtained from Regulatory Legal Department.
More detailed policy guidelines on webcams are available from the Head of Legal and Business Affairs, New Media and Technology.