A new study performed by Andrew Clement, co-founder of the Identity, Privacy and Security Institute and his graduate students found evidence that surveillance equipment in Toronto’s Eaton Centre and Square One did not fully comply with the necessary signage requirements of the federal Personal Information, Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
The information collected from both malls showed that only 30 per cent of shops that had surveillance cameras had any kind of sign notifying people they were being recorded, and none met even the minimum standards require.
Under the law, all retail outlets are required to post signs near the entrance to inform customers about the use, purpose, and contact number so people can find out how they can obtain a copy of any footage that contains their image.
Andrew Clement states, “There is a resistance on the part of these private sector operators to entertain the idea that they have any obligations.”
Advisory website http://www.surveillancerights.ca alerts people to their rights when it comes to Winnipegvideo surveillance. Further work will be developed as they have obtained funding and a partnership with the federal privacy commissioner.
Canadian Civil Liberties Association general counselor Nathalie Desrosiers called Clement’s findings surprising. She feels people have accepted Winnipeg video surveillance as part of everyday life and that these same people also expect to have their privacy rights respected.
The general public has a right to choose if they want to enter a store and then have their image recorded, but if they don’t know they are being recorded, they can’t make that choice.
SI Alarms Winnipeg video surveillance has always openly provided the appropriate signage to make people aware that there is video surveillance on the premises. We offer our customers a variety of cameras designed to help prevent shrinkage, robberies and other retail losses by capturing clear, high quality images. Our customers include the cities most popular nightclubs, largest hotels, and busiest restaurants.
We work closely with Winnipeg law enforcement agencies to provide intelligent video surveillance information to help identify different disputes and crime related incidents. Our solutions are not limited to just the monitoring of people, but the monitoring of electrical equipment, safety and hazardous areas that require constant attention.
