Lilian (68) feels she has no privacy in her own home because she does not know what the neighbour’s camera is filming
We’re always there for each other in our street. When we have a party or something, we borrow each other’s garden chairs, for example. Or if I see something strange in the neighbourhood, we warn each other. A lot of neighbours also regularly get together for a coffee, or for a chat outside. We just kind of look out for each other. My new neighbours seem to do the same, but with a camera…
Especially because I don’t know exactly where the camera is pointed.
I understand you want to install a camera if you don’t feel safe, for example. But nothing ever really happens in our neighbourhood, precisely because we are all so alert. Anyway, I soon noticed our new neighbours are a bit more distant. They didn’t voluntarily introduce themselves, only when I did so myself. And they hardly greet you in the street. Now, everyone can do what they want of course, “live and let live” is what I always say.
But now that they have a camera, I notice that it bothers me. Especially because I don’t know exactly where the camera is pointed. What I do know is that I can see it when I’m downstairs, eating at the table. And I’m simply thinking: if I can see that camera, that camera can see me too, right?
Just the sight of such a camera makes me feel uneasy.
Now, you don’t want to complain to your new neighbours straight away, especially because I already find them a bit distant. But I find myself always aware of that thing. For example, when I’m in the kitchen or drawing the curtains upstairs. Just the sight of such a camera makes me feel uneasy in my own home. If only I knew for sure that it was only filming their house, or that it was a fake camera, that would make a big difference.
That’s why I want to talk about it with my neighbours. But are there any rules for this? It would help me if I knew what is and isn’t allowed.
Did you know that...
- People may have a good reason to install a security camera or video doorbell? This is, therefore, not prohibited.
- However, this does not mean you can simply film your neighbours’ property. There are rules for cameras at home.
- If you can’t reach an agreement with your neighbours, you can ask for help from community mediation in many municipalities? You can read more about this on the website Problems with your neighbours. You can also ask the community police officer to mediate.
- You can unintentionally give your neighbours a feeling of unease if you install a camera or video doorbell? To avoid hassle, first check the rules for cameras at home. Tip: discuss it with your neighbours.
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* The privacy stories on this website are based on actual reports to the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA). Due to the privacy of those involved, the personal data and some circumstances have been changed. We use models (stock photography) for the images in these stories.
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