"CCTV Recording Notice Board Must Be Installed or Fines May Be Imposed"

PIPC Takes Corrective Action Against 23 Businesses Violating Personal Information Protection Laws Related to CCTV

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Even if video information processing devices (CCTV) are installed and operated in public places for the purpose of crime prevention or facility safety, a fine may be imposed if a sign indicating that filming is in progress is not installed.

On the 14th, the Personal Information Protection Commission held its 6th plenary meeting and announced that it had issued corrective measures to 23 businesses that violated personal information protection laws while installing and operating CCTVs. On that day, the Commission imposed fines totaling 17 million KRW on 9 businesses and decided on corrective orders for the remaining 14 businesses.

This CCTV-related investigation began with public interest reports and complaints, and based on the severity of violations found, three types of penalties were imposed. First, two businesses that installed and operated CCTVs in places where there was a significant risk of infringing on personal privacy, such as restrooms, were each fined 5 million KRW, totaling 10 million KRW.

Additionally, seven businesses that installed and operated CCTVs in public places for crime prevention and facility safety purposes but did not install signs indicating “CCTV filming in progress” were each fined 1 million KRW, totaling 7 million KRW. Furthermore, 14 businesses that installed signs indicating “CCTV filming in progress” but omitted required information such as filming range and administrator details as stipulated by the Personal Information Protection Act were issued corrective orders.

CCTVs are widely installed and operated throughout our society, and since data subjects are directly filmed, the need for personal information protection is significant, which is why related provisions are included in the Personal Information Protection Act. However, as this investigation revealed, many CCTV installers and operators are not fully aware of their legal obligations, such as installing signs with legally required information.

Song Sang-hoon, Director of the Investigation and Coordination Bureau at the Personal Information Protection Commission, stated, “Since CCTVs are widely operated, similar cases continue to occur. If CCTV installation is necessary, we ask that you first refer to the guidelines posted on the Personal Information Protection Portal.”