As we approach the festival season and continuing public events across the UK, we rely on effective safety measures to create secure and enjoyable environments, and CCTV plays an important role in supporting that aim. Its use, however, must always be lawful, proportionate, and transparent. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is committed to ensuring that security technologies are deployed responsibly, protecting both public safety and individual privacy. Through our support for industry standards including BS 9347:2024 on the ethical use of Facial Recognition Technology this guidance helps event organisers and attendees understand how cameras are used, the safeguards in place, and the rights of individuals, ensuring that events remain safe, trusted, and respectful for all.
Executive Summary
CCTV and surveillance technologies play a vital role in supporting the safe delivery of festivals and public events across the UK. When deployed responsibly, they help protect attendees, support emergency response, and deter criminal activity. The BSIA is committed to ensuring these technologies are used lawfully, proportionately, and transparently. This paper outlines how cameras are used, the safeguards in place, and what the public should know.
The Role of CCTV in Event Safety
CCTV supports public safety, crowd management, incident response, and crime prevention. It is deployed to provide situational awareness rather than monitor individuals unnecessarily.
A Strong Legal Framework
CCTV use is governed by UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Human Rights Act 1998, the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, and the Private Security Industry Act 2001. These ensure surveillance is controlled, justified, and accountable.
Lawful and Responsible Deployment
Event organisers must define a clear purpose, conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments where required, ensure transparency through signage, position cameras responsibly, secure footage, and use trained and licensed personnel.
Ethical Use of Emerging Technologies
The BSIA has supported BS 9347:2024, a British Standard for ethical Facial Recognition Technology deployment. It promotes transparency, accountability, and safeguards against misuse. Such technologies are not routinely used at events and must meet strict thresholds.
What the Public Should Expect
Attendees should expect visible, proportionate, and time-limited surveillance focused on safety, with clear information provided on its use.
Public Rights and Protections
Individuals have the right to be informed, request access to footage, raise concerns, and contact the Information Commissioner’s Office if needed.
Building Trust
The BSIA promotes best practice, transparency, and ethical standards to ensure public confidence in surveillance technologies.
Conclusion
CCTV is a proportionate tool supporting safe events. Strong laws and BSIA leadership ensure it is used responsibly while protecting individual rights.
Cameras at Events – Your Rights at a Glance
Why Cameras Are Used
- · Keep people safe
- · Support crowd management
- · Help respond to incidents quickly
- · Prevent and detect crime
What You Should Expect
- · Clear signage informing you CCTV is in use
- · Cameras focused on public safety areas
- · Temporary use during the event
- · Monitoring that is general, not intrusive
How Your Privacy Is Protected
- · CCTV images are treated as personal data under UK law
- · Use must be necessary and proportionate
- · Footage is stored securely and accessed only by authorised staff
- · Data is retained for a limited time
Your Legal Rights
- · Be informed when CCTV is in operation
- · Request access to your data (Subject Access Request)
- · Challenge misuse
- · Contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Facial Recognition & AI
- · Not commonly used at events
- · Subject to strict safeguards
- · Guided by BS 9347:2024 for ethical deployment
- · Must be transparent and justified
BSIA Commitment
- · Promoting transparency
- · Ethical use of technology
- · Protecting safety and privacy
Key Takeaway
- · CCTV at events is there to protect you, not monitor you unnecessarily.
- · Strong laws ensure it is used fairly and responsibly.