Video surveillance of employees. Is it legal?

What is written about filming in various legislative acts:

• The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Article 8 states: "Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, home and correspondence."
• Article 32 of the Constitution of Ukraine states: "No one shall be subjected to interference with his or her private and family life, except in cases provided for by the Constitution."
• Article 307 of the Civil Code guarantees the protection of an individual's interests in the course of photo, film, television and video recording: "An individual may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped only with his or her consent."

If you're just thinking about installing a camera in your office, you need to get written consent from your employees to install it. If at least one person is against it, then installing video surveillance is prohibited.

Якщо ви приймаєте на роботу нового співробітника і в офісі вже встановлені камери відеоспостереження, в такому випадку потрібно під розпис ознайомити людину з положенням про відеоспостереження у вас в компанії, розповісти в яких приміщеннях ведеться спостереження і з якою метою були встановлені камери.

Yes, it's a must. You should notify not only your employees, but also clients, partners, and other people who visit your office about the presence of cameras in the premises. The easiest way to do this is with a sign or inscription.

If the premises are covertly recorded and a theft occurs, for example, the data from such a recording will not be legally binding and will not be considered evidence, since only the police, the Security Service of Ukraine and other authorities have the right to covertly record video surveillance.

It is forbidden to install video surveillance, regardless of what purpose you pursue in the following places:

• toilets;
• showers and bathrooms;
• locker rooms;
• and lounges.

For video surveillance in the office to be considered legal, it is necessary:

1. Develop a "Regulation on video surveillance". It should specify where the cameras are located, who is responsible for video surveillance, and who has access to the video recordings.
2. Create an Order on the introduction of the Regulations and familiarize all employees with it against their signatures.
3. Add a clause on video surveillance to the Labor Regulations.
4. Familiarize all new employees with the documents listed in paragraphs 1-3 against signature.
5. In rooms with cameras, place signs warning of video surveillance.