This guide offers straightforward answers to your most common questions, helping you stay compliant and informed.
Can I put CCTV outside my house in Singapore?
Since May 2023, HDB flat owners in Singapore are no longer required to seek approval to install corridor-facing CCTV cameras within their homes. However, these cameras should not face the doors or windows of other flats to safeguard neighbors’ privacy.
Cameras must not be installed where they could become hazards, such as on building facades.
If you face safety issues, like harassment, you may install a CCTV camera at your main door with a Police report and Town Council approval.
These installations are permitted for six months and must be removed afterward.
Source [1] [2]
Can my neighbor install CCTV in Singapore?
Your neighbor cannot install CCTV outside their unit facing common corridors or other flats’ doors or windows without approval from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and HDB.
Source [1] [2]
Is HDB approval no longer required for CCTV cameras?
HDB approval is no longer required for installing corridor-facing CCTV cameras within your home, provided they do not face neighbors’ doors or windows.
Approval is still needed for cameras outside the flat facing common areas.
Source [2]
Is it allowed to install smart doorbells or smart door viewers?
Yes, you can install smart doorbells and smart door viewers in your home. These devices are less intrusive than CCTV cameras and can be easily installed within your flat or on your front door.
Source [2]
Is CCTV footage considered personal data under Singapore law?
Yes. Under Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), CCTV footage that identifies individuals is considered personal data. Operators must comply with PDPA obligations.
Source [3] Page 24, point 4.3
Do I need to put up a sign if I’m using CCTV ?
Yes. PDPA requires that individuals are notified of CCTV usage via clear and visible signage at entry points. Notices must indicate if audio is also being recorded.
Source [3] Page 34, point 4.34
Can I ask for CCTV footage in Singapore?
Yes, you can request CCTV footage from an organization in Singapore. They should provide access, masking the personal data of others, and may charge a reasonable fee.
However, they are not required to fulfill requests that are frivolous (lacking serious purpose) or vexatious (meant to cause annoyance), or if fulfilling the request would cause unreasonable burden or expense.
Source [3]
How long can I retain CCTV footage in Singapore?
It’s recommended to retain CCTV footage for at least 3 weeks, or longer depending on your storage space and needs. The period should be long enough to review footage after discovering an incident, which may take time.
While the PDPA doesn’t specify a fixed duration, 21 to 30 days is generally considered reasonable. You may keep footage longer if needed for investigations, legal, or insurance purposes.
Can I install CCTV in a helper room?
No, you should not install CCTV in the helper’s room or toilet. Placing a camera where the helper may be in a state of undress is intrusive and could be considered a criminal offense if done with the intention to insult her modesty.
Source [4]
Is it legal to install CCTV in office
Yes, installing CCTV camera in office is legal in Singapore, but organizations must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
This means they must inform employees of the purposes for collecting, using, or disclosing their personal data and obtain their consent.
For example, a clear and prominent notification at the office entrance stating the use and purpose of video surveillance is required.
Source [3] Page 34, point 4.32
Do I need a Data Protection Officer (DPO) if I install CCTV at my business premise?
Yes. Organisations collecting CCTV footage must appoint a DPO and implement reasonable security safeguards to protect that data.
Source [5]
What should I do if there’s a data breach involving CCTV footage?
Organisations must notify the PDPC within 3 calendar days of discovering a significant data breach involving personal data, including CCTV footage.
References
[1] – Ministry of National Development on CCTV Installation at HDB Main Doors
[2] – HDB Guidelines on CCTV Camera Installation
[3] – PDPA Advisory: Guidelines for Selected Topics
[4] – Channelnewsasia: Drawing the Line on CCTV Use with Maids
[5] – Data Protection Officers
[6] – Report a Data Breach
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