There may be good reasons to hang a camera near your home, such as a security camera or a video doorbell. These aren't prohibited either. But you need to make sure that you are invading the privacy of other people, such as your neighbors or passersby, as little as possible. Just as your neighbors should be mindful of your privacy if they hang a camera near their home.
The most important rule is that your camera must film only your own property. Thus, you may not film other people's property, such as your neighbor's house or yard. Also, in principle, you may not film public roads, such as the sidewalk or parking lots.
It is your responsibility to adjust the camera so that it only films your property. Are you having your camera installed by an installation company? Then watch with the installer as he or she sets up the camera. And indicate that you want the camera to be privacy-proof. Check yourself whether your camera is actually aimed only at your property.
Sometimes you really can't help but film a bit of the public road. For example, because your front door is directly adjacent to the public road. In that case, you must make sure that you violate the privacy of passersby as little as possible.
Only in very exceptional cases may you purposefully point a camera at a portion of your neighbor's property or public space.
Does your camera film other people's possessions or the public road, when it is not necessary to do so? Then you are violating privacy laws.
The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP) can hear about your camera surveillance. For example, if someone files a complaint about your camera with the AP. Then the AP can take action against you in various ways if your camera is not set up privacy-proof.
Do you feel your privacy has been invaded by your neighbor's camera? If so, start by talking to your neighbors. If you and your neighbors cannot reach an agreement, you can take the following steps:
1. In conversation
The first step is to have a friendly conversation with your neighbors. It may be that the camera is not on or that your neighbors are not filming you. So perhaps the problem can be easily resolved by mutual agreement. For example, you can ask: why your neighbors put up a camera; indicate what you think they are filming and ask if this is correct; ask if you might be allowed to view the footage. Does the conversation with your neighbors reveal that the camera is not properly adjusted? If so, you can remind your neighbors of the privacy rules and practical tips found on this website.
2. Mediation
Are you and your neighbors not getting along? Then you can:
Seek help from neighborhood mediation, if your municipality offers it. See the website Problems with your neighbors
Ask the neighborhood police officer to mediate. You can find a neighborhood officer in your area on the police website.
Get help from a mediator.
3. Legal Steps
If the problem persists, you can take legal action. You can go to court. Or ask for advice first. For this, you can go to the Legal Help Desk, for example.
You can also file a complaint with the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens.
