What are the legal considerations when installing cameras

What are the legal considerations when installing cameras?

Byproactivesecurity

Installing security cameras is one of the most effective ways to protect your home or business, but it also comes with legal responsibilities, especially in British Columbia. Whether you’re installing cameras for residential security or a commercial property, understanding privacy laws and regulations is essential.

At ProActive Integrated Security, we’ve been helping homeowners and business owners across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland design, install, and maintain compliant video surveillance systems since 2000. This guide explains what you need to know before setting up cameras so that your system not only keeps you safe but also keeps you within the law.

Why camera laws matter in British Columbia

Security cameras can deter theft, prevent vandalism, and provide valuable evidence in case of a crime. However, they also capture footage of people employees, customers, or the public, which brings privacy laws into play.

British Columbia has some of the strongest privacy legislation in Canada, and violating these laws (even accidentally) can result in complaints, investigations, or fines. Ensuring your surveillance system complies with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and other local regulations helps you protect your property and the privacy rights of others.

Key privacy laws affecting camera installations

1. Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)

In BC, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) governs how businesses collect, use, and store personal information including video recordings. Under PIPA, “personal information” refers to any recorded image that can identify an individual.

If you operate a business, PIPA requires that:

      • Individuals must be informed that they are being recorded.
      • Recordings must be collected for a reasonable purpose (such as security or loss prevention).
      • Footage must be stored securely and only kept as long as necessary.
      • Access to footage must be limited to authorized personnel.
      • Recorded data must be disposed of securely when no longer needed.

In other words, you can’t use security cameras for curiosity or surveillance unrelated to safety. The purpose must be legitimate and justifiable.

2. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

If you’re installing cameras for a public sector organization, such as a school, municipality, or government office, then FIPPA applies instead of PIPA. FIPPA sets strict rules for public bodies about how and when surveillance can occur, where cameras can be placed, and how footage is managed.

At ProActive Integrated Security, we design compliant camera systems for both private and public-sector clients, ensuring that footage collection, signage, and storage practices align with the appropriate legislation.

3. Criminal Code of Canada

Under the Criminal Code, it’s illegal to record someone where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, change rooms, or inside private residences that are not your own. Even if your intention is security-related, recording in these areas can lead to criminal charges.

Homeowners and business owners alike must ensure their cameras are positioned only in spaces where privacy expectations are minimal, like driveways, entrances, or parking lots.

Residential camera installations and privacy

If you’re a homeowner installing cameras around your property, BC privacy laws are more flexible, but there are still important ethical and legal boundaries.

You’re legally allowed to record video on your own property for personal use. However, you must ensure your cameras do not unreasonably capture neighboring homes, shared spaces, or public sidewalks.

To stay compliant and considerate:

    • Aim cameras toward your own entrances, driveway, and yard.
    • Avoid pointing cameras directly at neighboring properties or public streets.
    • Use privacy masking features (available on many modern systems) to blur out areas beyond your property line.
    • Consider adding signage if your cameras cover shared spaces such as driveways or strata property.

At ProActive Integrated Security, we help homeowners adjust camera placement and lens angles to maintain effective coverage while protecting neighbor privacy.

Commercial camera installations and signage requirements

For businesses in Vancouver and throughout the Lower Mainland, camera placement and signage are more strictly regulated. Because businesses collect “personal information” under PIPA, they must provide clear notice to anyone being recorded.

Signage requirements include:

    • Clear, visible signs at all entry points and in areas under surveillance.
    • A statement that video surveillance is in use for security purposes.
    • Contact information for the business or privacy officer responsible for the system.

Example of compliant wording:
“Video surveillance in use for security purposes. For more information, contact ProActive Integrated Security or the property manager.”

The goal is transparency, anyone entering the premises should know they are being recorded and why.

Where cameras should (and shouldn’t) be installed

The location of your cameras is one of the most important compliance factors.

Appropriate locations

    • Entrances and exits
    • Parking lots or garages
    • Loading docks and warehouses
    • Cash registers or points of sale
    • Public hallways or building exteriors

Restricted locations

    • Washrooms or change rooms
    • Employee break rooms
    • Residential areas within multi-unit buildings (unless authorized by the strata)
    • Any location where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy

When we design a system for our clients, we always perform a site assessment to ensure camera placement maximizes security coverage while complying with BC privacy standards.

How long can you store video footage?

Under PIPA, video recordings must not be kept longer than necessary to fulfill their purpose. Most businesses retain footage for 30 to 90 days, depending on storage capacity and the nature of operations.

Best practices for video storage:

    • Store footage on secure, encrypted systems.
    • Restrict access to authorized users only.
    • Delete or overwrite old footage on a regular schedule.
    • Back up important recordings only when required for investigation or insurance.

At ProActive Integrated Security, our systems are configured with automated data retention settings that comply with BC privacy guidelines. You’ll never have to worry about over-retention or unauthorized access.

Common mistakes homeowners and businesses make

Even with good intentions, many property owners unintentionally violate privacy laws. Here are some common errors we help clients correct:

    • Recording public sidewalks or streets – Even partial capture of public areas can raise privacy concerns.
    • Lack of signage – Businesses without visible notices are non-compliant under PIPA.
    • Recording audio without consent – Video may be allowed, but audio recording often requires explicit consent.
    • Storing footage indefinitely – Keeping recordings “just in case” can breach data retention rules.
    • Allowing untrained staff access to footage – Only authorized individuals should review recordings.

By working with a licensed professional like ProActive Integrated Security, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your system meets all legal and ethical standards.

How ProActive Integrated Security ensures compliance

When you choose ProActive Integrated Security, you’re partnering with a fully licensed and bonded security company that understands both technology and legislation. Our team of trade-certified technicians follows proven best practices to design, install, and maintain video surveillance systems that align with BC privacy laws.

Our process includes:

    • A detailed property assessment and consultation
    • Strategic camera placement to respect privacy boundaries
    • Installation of signage that meets legal notice requirements
    • Secure network setup with encrypted storage
    • Training for staff or homeowners on how to access and manage footage responsibly

We’ve helped hundreds of residential, commercial, and public-sector clients across the Lower Mainland achieve full compliance while improving security, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Proudly serving the Lower Mainland

ProActive Integrated Security has proudly operated in the Lower Mainland for more than 20 years, serving both residential and commercial clients throughout the region.

Our service areas include:

Our team lives and works in these communities, which means when you call us, you’re speaking directly with local professionals who care about your safety and satisfaction.

Stay compliant and protected with ProActive Integrated Security

Ready to install security cameras for your home or business?

At ProActive Integrated Security, we make it simple to enhance safety while staying compliant with BC’s privacy laws. Our experienced team will design and install a customized camera system that provides full coverage, clear documentation, and peace of mind knowing your property is protected—and your system is fully legal.

Call (604) 522-2121 or request a free consultation online today. We proudly serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, and the entire Lower Mainland with professional camera installations, alarm systems, access control, and 24/7 monitoring solutions you can trust.

Your security matters—and compliance does too. Let’s design a system that does both.

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