What are the rules for putting up cameras at my French home? – Partner article

What are the rules with regard to putting up security cameras in and around my French home? 

You have a right to install cameras on your property, but you must respect the privacy of people filmed, according to guidelines from the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL).

The cameras should only film the interior of the property, including inside the house, in the garden and the driveway. 

You do not have a right to film outside the property, including on the road if you want to protect a car parked there, for example. 

Doorbell cameras are not exempt – they must be angled so they do not film the street.

Images from video cameras can be looked at by anyone authorised by the property owner – as long as the privacy of people depicted is not compromised.

If you have people working in your house – a nanny or a home help, for example – you should inform them of the cameras, and of the intention behind their installation. 

Third parties working in a home must not be under video surveillance all the time.

Many video systems are managed by specialist companies. 

Make sure you read and understand their guidelines about who can see the images from the cameras, which are likely to include their own staff.

If people feel the rules have been broken, they can complain to CNIL, the police, or to the public prosecutor's office (procureur de la République).

CNIL is most likely to act – it can issue warnings and advice on how to conform in future.