Feb 13, 2015

Manitoba Ombudsman has released Video Surveillance Guidelines for public bodies and trustees subject to The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

“As the use of video surveillance becomes more common, public bodies and trustees must remember that the technology also captures unnecessary information about employees and citizens as they go about their daily lives,” said Acting Manitoba Ombudsman Mel Holley. “The use of video surveillance technology in public spaces and public buildings comes with responsibilities and obligations set out in our access and privacy laws. As a result, making the decision to use video surveillance must be carefully planned and implemented.”

Manitoba Ombudsman’s Video Surveillance Guidelines set out ten considerations designed to help public bodies and trustees who may be planning to implement video surveillance, including:

• demonstrating the need for and value of video surveillance versus less privacy-intrusive options
• collection of personal and personal health information
• developing a surveillance system policy
• design and implementation of a surveillance system
• notifying the public
• using and disclosing surveillance records
• retention and destruction of surveillance records
• security of surveillance records
• access to surveillance records
• auditing surveillance systems

Manitoba Ombudsman oversees compliance with FIPPA and PHIA by conducting investigations and reviewing privacy and access practices. Manitoba Ombudsman may be consulted for advice or guidance regarding the potential use of a surveillance system or any significant modification or expansion of a surveillance system.

The Video Surveillance Guidelines are available at: https://www.ombudsman.mb.ca/uploads/document/files/video-surveillance-guidelines-en.pdf