In a decisive move aimed at safeguarding personal data and ensuring a delicate balance between security requirements and privacy protections, the National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CNDP) announced on March 22, 2025, the launch of a series of awareness sessions regarding the use of surveillance cameras in public spaces.
This pivotal initiative seeks to foster full compliance with regulations and foundational guarantees protecting individuals' private lives. With the increasing prevalence of surveillance technologies used for purposes such as scientific research, documentation, monitoring, and enhancing security in both public and private venues, CNDP's efforts are more relevant than ever.
While recognizing the undeniable benefits these technologies offer, the commission emphasizes that they also present significant legal and ethical challenges requiring careful scrutiny. This scrutiny must take into account constitutional and legal provisions in various countries, as well as the cultural and social differences of affected groups.
According to the CNDP, the approach to the use of surveillance cameras cannot be one-size-fits-all, due to the considerable variance in methodologies adopted globally and the differing legal contexts in each nation. The commission will focus on ensuring public space protection while placing paramount importance on both security demands and citizens' constitutional rights.
Furthermore, the commission pointed out that the application of facial recognition technology in public settings raises complex questions that require clear answers. Issues of legality, necessity, and potential impacts on individual rights must all be considered carefully. Consequently, ongoing and rigorous evaluation of community acceptance of these technologies is essential, striking a balance between potential risks and the public interests tied to their use.
To prevent any invasion into individuals' private lives, the CNDP plans to conduct extensive listening sessions that will involve various stakeholders in this discourse, including legal experts, civil society representatives, and technology specialists. The goal is to establish a clear legal framework for surveillance camera usage that adheres to both constitutional values and the fundamental rights of citizens.
This ambitious initiative aims to produce a balanced and objective analysis, accounting for the constitutional values and fundamental rights inherent to citizens, while ensuring adherence to law number 09.08, which pertains to personal data protection.
In closing, the CNDP reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to diligently working towards establishing balanced, sustainable solutions that protect individual rights while simultaneously responding to the needs of public safety. This approach is premised on a transparent and responsible participatory framework.
