NO2ID

The debate on the use of CCTV in schools moved on this week, as the Information Commissioner ever so politely read the riot act over the use of CCTV systems in schools and colleges.

Last time El Reg looked at this issue, the Information Commissioner was treading carefully. The Office of the Information Commissioner (ICO) published general guidelines (pdf) on the use of CCTV in 2008, which advised:

You should carefully consider whether to use it; the fact that it is possible, affordable or has public support should not be the primary motivating factor. You should take into account what benefits can be gained, whether better solutions exist, and what effect it may have on individuals.

A number of other stipulations followed, including a requirement that the installation be proportionate to any problem identified. The latest ICO statement appears to represent a hardening of the line; the gentle hints provided by the guidelines were ignored, so now the gloves are off.

While the ICO recognises there may be a place for teachers to use CCTV to support their professional development, "recording every lesson for these purposes would be excessive". Installing a system for the purpose of addressing problem behaviour might be appropriate "in exceptional circumstances".

A spokeswoman for the ICO further confirmed that CCTV should always be preceded by a Privacy Impact Assessment, to ensure that issues are considered and safeguards put in place, and that the requirement for CCTV should be periodically reassessed.

This goes to the heart of the current debate. CCTV has applications in both the security and training spheres. However, the focus remains on its role as a mechanism for social control.