You have the right to request CCTV footage of yourself.
You need to make a request to the owner of the CCTV system. You can do this either in writing or verbally.
The owner’s details are usually written on a sign attached to the camera, unless the owner is obvious (like a shop).
Tell them you’re requesting information held about you under data protection law. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has guidance about getting copies of your personal data.
Provide information to help the owner identify you, for example:
- a specific date and time
- proof of your identity
- a description of yourself
The CCTV owner must usually provide the footage free of charge within 1 calendar month.
Most CCTV footage is deleted 30 days after it’s recorded.
The CCTV owner might not be allowed to share any footage if:
- other people can be seen in it
- they’re not able to edit out people to protect their identity
The CCTV owner can invite you to a viewing of the footage if:
- they’re unable to provide you with the footage itself
- you agree to that arrangement
They can refuse your request if sharing the footage could put an ongoing criminal investigation at risk.
The ICO has guidance about requesting footage:
