There are often cameras on the streets. For example, in entertainment areas. Municipalities may monitor there with cameras. The police may then view and use the images. The law states that municipalities and the police may do this. Companies and individuals may not just film in public places.
The municipality may put up cameras to monitor public places to maintain public order. The police may view the images from the cameras to check that everything is peaceful and safe in the places where the cameras are placed or hung. Does something happen, such as a fight? Then the police may also use the images to track down the perpetrators.
The municipality decides on the deployment of regular camera surveillance, but the police are data controllers for processing the camera images. However, there are conditions that the municipality and the police must adhere to.
The police can also deploy (mobile) camera surveillance incidentally and briefly if there is a concrete reason to do so. For example, at a high-risk professional soccer match, a demonstration or (threatening) riots.
The municipality and police may use movable or mobile cameras for surveillance. Such as drones, cameras on a movable mast or on a moving car. Conditions also apply to these. It is extra important that people are properly informed about camera surveillance because they do not always expect or notice it.
Businesses are not allowed to film passersby with cameras in advertising columns or billboards in public places. As a company, do you want to know what the rules are? Then see: Does the AVG allow me as a company to use cameras in advertising pillars?
People may have good reasons to hang a camera near their home, such as a security camera or a video doorbell. This is not prohibited either. But in doing so, they are basically not allowed to film the public road. See further: cameras at home and neighbors.
