THE SWEDISH DPA BANNED AN ASSOCIATION FROM USING VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

23.06.2020

The Swedish Data Protection Authority (“DPA”) started an investigation into a co-operative housing association due to a complaint claiming that the association monitors the stairwell in the association’s apartment building.

As a result of the investigation, it is determined that two of the association’s surveillance cameras located in the stairwell and these cameras allow the association to map the habits, visits and social circle of the residents. It is emphasised that surveillance to residents and their home environment requires very strong reasons for the monitoring to be allowed and this is not issue in the case.

For the third camera which is set up the main entrance to combat problems with vandalism, the DPA notes that a need for video surveillance was not still present to date.

As for the fourth camera, which is directed towards the distribution box, the DPA concludes that it must be re-directed so that it does not monitor the residents’ storage facilities.

Consequently, the Swedish DPA ordered the association to stop video surveillance of the stairwell and entrance, to cease audio recording for the surveillance camera by the distribution box, and to improve the information provided concerning the video surveillance. Moreover, the DPA imposed fine of 20.000 Swedish Krono on the association.

You can reach the decision here.

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Kind regards,

Zumbul Attorneys-at-Law

info@zumbul.av.tr