The basic purpose of video surveillance is to protect people and property against criminal acts. The development of technology and an increase in safety awareness have led to a wider use of video surveillance systems. Nowadays video cameras cam be spotted anywhere, for example, in stores, in restaurants and cafes, in health centres and in front of schools. Usage of home video surveillance systems has also increased.
It is important to point out, that video surveillance might violate personality rights of individuals (right to privacy, right to personal safety and physical integrity, right to private property, right to self-determination and right of personal portrayal). These rights are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia. Furthermore, the right to privacy is one of the fundamental human rights, which is lately at risk due to the rapid development of technology. In brief, the interest of individual to protect his property with the use of video surveillance affects interests and rights of other individuals.
The main theme of my thesis is the legal definition of video surveillance in our legislation and its relation to personality rights. Moreover, I researched possible violations of personality rights due to illegal use of video surveillance. For example, a few years ago there was a resounding case of illegal use of video surveillance in the dressing rooms of Emporium. Information Commissioner decided that in this case privacy and dignity of individuals were heavily violated, therefore the company was issued a fine. I came to a conclusion that in practice there are a lot of violations of personality rights violation connected to video surveillance, which often stay undetected.
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