CCTV monitoring

Subject to certain conditions, employers in the Netherlands have the right to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the workplace to prevent theft or damage to property. First, however, you must carry out a privacy test to assess your interests against the interests and rights of your employees. If your company has a Works Council, you must obtain the consent of this Council.

You will also have to indicate clearly – for example, on a sign – that CCTV cameras are in use. In extreme cases, you may also use a hidden camera, but this is strictly regulated.

Reporting CCTV monitoring

You are obliged to inform the Dutch Data Protection Authority (College Bescherming Persoonsgegevens, CBP) (Dutch) that you have installed CCTV cameras. In principle, exemptions from this obligation are only possible if you install cameras to protect persons, buildings, sites, objects or production processes.

CCTV monitoring in and around shops

As a shopkeeper, you may install CCTV cameras in and around your shop. However, you must indicate clearly to customers and employees that CCTV cameras are in use. You may not install cameras at locations where they violate the customer’s privacy, for example, in fitting cubicles.