People Are Debating Whether Doorbell Cameras Invade Neighbour Privacy

Facebook users are debating privacy issues surrounding doorbell cameras, after one person shared an image of her neighbour's camera pointing directly into her backyard.

Writing on Facebook, the woman said: "Hey all. Let's talk ring door bells. I feel like I'm being harassed by one. Do you have one? Or one watching your every move!!!

"This is my neighbours camera, on only my garden."

Facebook)

In the photo, the doorbell camera can be seen not on the neighbour's front door, but halfway up their wall, pointing directly into the woman's garden area.

We're pretty sure no-one would be able to ring this doorbell unless they had a set of ladders...

And other Facebook users were horrified with the set-up, with one person commenting: "That isn’t allowed. It’s a door bell for a reason!! I’d complain to local council if that’s pointing on your property but... the upside is if anyone breaks on to your home they’ll be footage."

While another said: "Wtf it’s a door bell why is it up there!!! I have one I live in a set of four flats and asked all my neighbours if it was ok before I put it up!!!"

And a third added: "Move it. Get up a ladder and face it the other way."

Facebook)

Others were adamant it must be illegal, with one pointing out: "Definitely shouldn’t be pointing into your garden like that surely it’s illegal ring police on them."

While another added: "We have one, at our front door. It's a doorbell, it shouldn't be used to face your neighbours. That's illegal I'm sure, it has to be facing your own front."

And a third claimed: "My neighbour did this, police made her move it."

Facebook)

Others weren't so shocked, however, with one writing: "We've got one and it shows up the rest of culture de sac.. neighbours would be soon round for the footage if anything were to happen around their properties."

According to the Information Commissioners Office: "If your CCTV system captures images of people outside the boundary of your private domestic property – for example, from neighbours’ homes or gardens, shared spaces, or from public areas – then the GDPR and the DPA will apply to you.

"You will need to ensure your use of CCTV complies with these laws. If you do not comply with your data protection obligations you may be subject to appropriate regulatory action by the ICO, as well as potential legal action by affected individuals."

You can find more information and read the guidelines here.

Topics: Life

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine