Can Householders use CCTV to Film their Homes?

CCTV cameras are mainly for the purpose of security of the people and to prevent any unwanted incidents from happening. However, there are some householders who like to film their homes through CCTV cameras. But, there is a a Data Protection Act 1998, that prevents from doing this. CCTV camera in Pune will only be subject to the DPA if the footage captured “associates to living individuals who can be recognized” from it. Thus, fixed cameras in city centres, which simply capture crowds of unrecognizable individuals in a specific area, would not be subject to the DPA. However, cameras having remote zoom functions, also those used by businesses or individuals for private security purposes could be subject to the PDA.

The DPA possesses an exemption for domestic use, however, so a householder having a camera on their property for their own personal use would not be covered by the DPA even if the camera overlooks the street or other public areas near their home. This exemption also applies to recreational use, for instance for using a camcorder or a mobile phone. Provided the DPA does get applied, then the CCTV operator would need to do several things.

• Firstly, he would need to register as a data controller with the Information Commissioner's office
• Put up signs apprising people that CCTV is in use and who operates it
• Provide any person who requests the copies of footage for them
• Make sure that any footage stored is kept for no longer than required for the purposes for which it's obtained
• Make sure that the footage is not disclosed to anyone else without the permission of the people shown in it unless it's for a reason permitted under the DPA, such as the prevention or detection of crime

In addition to the obligations under the DPA, the Human Rights Act requires any public authority using CCTV cameras to do so compatibly. Although, filming of individuals in a public place would not generally be considered to intrude their privacy, the courts have stated that it could do in certain circumstances.

Benefits of Adding Home Automation System

Today, we live in a time like no other as there are so many technological advancements at our fingertips that have made our lives quite easy, which can be considered as fortunate looking at the fast paced lives most of us lead. In recent years, great steps have been taken so as to make homes a bit more 'tech savvy'. In short, this technology, lets the owner to run his/her home while away with the help of a remote, often on a smartphone or iPad. Due to the fact that such homes can apparently think on their own, they are also known as being 'smart'. Having an automated home helps the owner in several ways. Let's look at some of the ways in which home automation in Pune can help the owners.

 Benefits of Home Automation

Comfort: Today's hectic life along with the traffic that's in most of the cities can make it extremely difficult to reach home on time when the kids come home from school or we expect someone coming. And, since it's impossible to be in two places at the same time, having the comfort of accessing your home appliances remotely can save your time to a great extent. Turning off all the lights in your house without moving an inch, turning on/off your wireless home security alarm using a portal device or using voice identification to control appliances around the house are some of the major benefits of having a home automation system.

Saving Energy: You can easily manage and thus save your house's energy consumption by properly using all the home automation products. For instance, you can automate your thermostat to adjust settings throughout the day based around the times someone is home or the house is empty. You can also sync some 'smart' devices up to your appliances with real time energy information. Through this your home appliances knows the most cost effective times to operate. For instance, your dishwasher could run at 1 am as this is the best time for the lowest price.

Enhances Peace of Mind: This benefit is especially for those who have the habit to always worry about whether or not they have taken care of everything at home prior to leaving for the day. For such people, home automation system is an ideal investment. In short, it offers peace of mind. Today, there are several stresses in daily life, so it's nice to take at least one off by being able to know what's going on at home without physically being there.

Home automation products not only offers convenience but also save a lot of your time and effort in carrying out the household tasks.