Request CCTV footage of yourself

You have the right to request CCTV footage of yourself.

You need to make a request to the owner of the CCTV system. You can do this either in writing or verbally.

The owner鈥檚 details are usually written on a sign attached to the camera, unless the owner is obvious (like a shop).

Tell them you鈥檙e requesting information held about you under data protection law. The Information Commissioner鈥檚 Office (ICO) has guidance about .

Provide information to help the owner identify you, for example:

  • a specific date and time
  • proof of your identity
  • a description of yourself

The CCTV owner must usually provide the footage free of charge within 1 calendar month.

Most CCTV footage is deleted 30 days after it鈥檚 recorded.

The CCTV owner might not be allowed to share any footage if:

  • other people can be seen in it
  • they鈥檙e not able to edit out people to protect their identity

The CCTV owner can invite you to a viewing of the footage if:

  • they鈥檙e unable to provide you with the footage itself
  • you agree to that arrangement

They can refuse your request if sharing the footage could put an ongoing criminal investigation at risk.

The ICO has guidance about requesting footage: