What is allowed

To protect citizens or a rip-off?

Protect your property, perhaps even your life, and install video surveillance: There are numerous legal issues between the idea and its implementation.(Bild: Dostal Harald)

A Carinthian association is taking action against "unauthorized video surveillance" and issuing warnings to private individuals who monitor their homes and properties with cameras - including a demand for money. How can those affected defend themselves? And what is permitted and what is prohibited with private surveillance cameras?

Numerous homeowners in the Klagenfurt area have received a seven-page letter: Under the subject line "Warning letter due to unauthorized video surveillance", an association that wants to protect citizens writes to them "on behalf of the aggrieved parties" - who are not specifically named (see facsimile below). It is about "video surveillance measures classified as unlawful", the violation of data protection regulations, the violation of the right to privacy and anonymity.

The addressees are requested to refrain from the surveillance, to pay the association "compensation for expenses" in the amount of 250 euros and to sign a cease-and-desist declaration. Can an association act like a lawyer?