Being filmed by a camera installed at another house
Do your neighbours have a camera or doorbell camera installed? In principle, this camera cannot film public roads and/or your property and that of other neighbours. This is only permitted if the person has a good reason for it and can prove it, such as if there have been a lot of burglaries in your neighbourhood recently. Do you feel your privacy is being violated by a camera installed at another house? And do you think your neighbours are not abiding by the rules? This page explains the various steps you can take.
On this page
Engage in dialogue
The first step is to talk to your neighbours. The camera may not be switched on or your neighbours may not be filming you. Perhaps the problem can simply be solved through dialogue.
For example, you can:
- ask why your neighbours have put up a camera;
- indicate what you think they are filming and ask whether this is correct;
- ask if you can view the images.
If your talk with your neighbours shows that the camera is not properly adjusted, you can remind them of the privacy rules and practical tips on this website.
Mediation
Unable to come to a solution with your neighbours? Then you can:
- Ask for help from community mediation, provided this is available in your municipality. See the website Problems with your neighbours.
- Ask the community police officer to mediate. To find a community police officer near you, please check the website of the police (in Dutch).
- Ask for help from a mediator (in Dutch).
Legal action
If the problem persists, you can request help from the Juridisch Loket (in Dutch) legal advice service.
Another option is to submit a complaint to the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA).
You can also go to court(in Dutch).
Also view
Privacy story
Lilian (68) feels she has no privacy in her own home because she does not know what the neighbour’s camera is filming. “Just the sight of such a camera makes me feel uneasy.”
