Morocco: Surveillance Cameras and Data Protection
Rapid Expansion of Surveillance Cameras Raises Privacy Concerns in Morocco
The Moroccan Observatory on Consumer Protection has issued a warning regarding the rapid expansion of surveillance cameras in both public and private spaces frequented daily by citizens.
According to the Observatory, while this proliferation may be justified by security objectives, it raises numerous questions about compliance with the legal framework related to the protection of personal privacy and data.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Observatory emphasizes that the debate should not be limited to the necessity of surveillance cameras but should also encompass respect for constitutional and legal provisions governing the recording and processing of data.
It reminds us that Article 24 of the Moroccan Constitution guarantees the protection of private life. Moreover, Law No. 09.08 concerning the protection of personal data sets a stringent framework for the collection and processing of personal information.
The law imposes several conditions for the use of surveillance systems, including:
- Prior declaration or authorization when necessary
- A clear and legitimate purpose
- Adherence to the principles of necessity and proportionality
- Securing the collected data
- Limiting the retention period of recordings
The Observatory also notes that surveillance cameras are no longer restricted to secure environments. They are now installed in clinics, laboratories, educational institutions, banks, public administrations, professional offices, gyms, and beauty centers.
These places often handle sensitive data, such as medical, financial, or professional information, and sometimes accommodate minors, which amplifies the stakes associated with protecting rights and privacy.
Some of the cameras currently in use feature high resolution, advanced zoom capabilities, and sometimes even audio capturing systems.
This technological evolution raises questions about respecting the principle of proportionality between security objectives and the surveillance means employed—especially when there is no clear signage informing the public about the existence of these recordings.
The Observatory reminds us that installing surveillance cameras does not confer an absolute right to record or retain data outside the legal framework. It emphasizes the role of the National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CNDP) in overseeing compliance with data protection rules.
In conclusion, the Observatory stresses the necessity of finding a balance between security demands and privacy protection. Achieving this balance requires a strict adherence to the law and the adoption of a balanced approach, placing the dignity and digital rights of citizens at the heart of security policies in a state governed by the rule of law.
