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Original poster

To think this is against GDPR

45 replies

Outandabout43 · 30/03/2026 22:04

Listening and watching a private conversation on CCTV from a mobile phone that happened on comercial property between the owner of the business and a paying customer. Conversation was nothing to do with the business

OP posts:
Kepler22B · 30/03/2026 22:28

Ok, sounds like you really messed up but can you clear up a few things.

Are you meant to look at CCTV?
Why are you looking at this conversation?
As soon as you knew it was just private chit chat, why did you continue watching?
And why on Earth did you show this to someone else?

Regardless of breaching GDPR, it is probably covered by gross misconduct h most companies have strict rules about when cctv can be accessed).

Anewerforest · 30/03/2026 22:28

It might be against GDPR because you should only keep and access information about a client for a good reason and with the subject's consent. Either way your best bet is probably to apologise and promise not to do it again.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 30/03/2026 22:25

Outandabout43 · 30/03/2026 22:20

It automatically records, I know I was wrong but I then let someone else look at the recording. I'm so,scared I will be fired. I don't even know why I watched, they where just talking about their family, holidays and sick relatives .

Ah, if you let someone else watch the videos, then that will almost certainly constitutes a data breach. Why did you let someone else watch it?

OriginalSkang · 30/03/2026 22:25

I would imagine you will get fired

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 30/03/2026 22:22

I think GDPR does apply to recorded images of people - those images are data that relates to identifiable individuals. The conversation between the two individuals may or may not constitute personal data as well - we don't have enough information.

Whether or not it is a breach will depend on why you had access to the data in the first place, why you were watching it and what your policy says about recordings not related to the business etc. If it's part of your job to monitor the CCTV and there is nothing in your policy that says you should stop watching in certain circumstances, then I don't think it's that clear cut personally.

Ihatemondays1962 · 30/03/2026 22:20

I think its the recording thats the issue here too. Why did you do that? CCTV images are covered by GDPR rules so unless you have an explanation as to why you recorded it then i can see why it has been raised with you.

Original poster
Outandabout43 · 30/03/2026 22:20

It automatically records, I know I was wrong but I then let someone else look at the recording. I'm so,scared I will be fired. I don't even know why I watched, they where just talking about their family, holidays and sick relatives .

OP posts:
newornotnew · 30/03/2026 22:19

Outandabout43 · 30/03/2026 22:13

I have access to the CCTV on my phone for any issues when property is closed, im the employee. Notification popped up on my phone and I was watching the CCTV which had audio of the conversation between the company owner and the customer. I admit it was a personal conversation, however I now have a meeting in regards to this

You're not being very clear.

But if you're not supposed to view CCTV except at certain times, then accessing the CCTV at other times could be a disciplinary matter, as it would be non-compliant with the GDPR policies of the organisation.

ColdAsAWitches · 30/03/2026 22:19

So you as an employee watched and then recorded a private conversation between the owner and a customer?. It's not a breach of GDPR, but it may well fall under gross misconduct. Why did you record it? What were you going to do with the recording after?

Forty85 · 30/03/2026 22:17

If you have been given authorisation to access the cctv on your phone by the company/owner, you haven't done anything wrong. However, why did you record the conversation and what did you then do with it? How did the owner find out you recorded the convo?

newornotnew · 30/03/2026 22:15

CallingOnTheMegaphone · 30/03/2026 22:12

OK but the point stands, GDPR is about your personal data, not what you say to people in conversation.

When you record someone, you create data, some of it personal.

BoredZelda · 30/03/2026 22:14

CallingOnTheMegaphone · 30/03/2026 22:12

OK but the point stands, GDPR is about your personal data, not what you say to people in conversation.

I agree. It might be against something, but it isn’t against GDPR, that’s very specific.

oviraptor21 · 30/03/2026 22:14

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/
Should have the answer to your question.
Will depend on what the employee has captured.

UK GDPR guidance and resources

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources

Original poster
Outandabout43 · 30/03/2026 22:13

I have access to the CCTV on my phone for any issues when property is closed, im the employee. Notification popped up on my phone and I was watching the CCTV which had audio of the conversation between the company owner and the customer. I admit it was a personal conversation, however I now have a meeting in regards to this

OP posts:
CallingOnTheMegaphone · 30/03/2026 22:12

OK but the point stands, GDPR is about your personal data, not what you say to people in conversation.

CatJump · 30/03/2026 22:12

Yes if it was cctv footage and not their own recording from their phone.

Original poster
Outandabout43 · 30/03/2026 22:10

Wasn't a phone conversation. Customer and owner having a private conversation on the premises, employee watched and recorded said conversation

OP posts:
Kepler22B · 30/03/2026 22:06

Doesn’t sound like it. Who was listening/ watching and how are you involved?

CallingOnTheMegaphone · 30/03/2026 22:06

Er nope, phone conversations are not covered by GDPR.

NobodysChildNow · 30/03/2026 22:06

No this is not a breach of gdpr