The growing use of surveillance cameras in public and private spaces is forcing a major reckoning over the delicate balance between safety and individual privacy. In a bid to address these concerns head-on, the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP) has launched a series of hearings aimed at developing a new, comprehensive framework to govern the use of video surveillance. The goal is to establish clear and consistent standards that align with national data protection laws and apply equally to public authorities and private companies.
This move marks a significant step toward greater transparency and accountability in a field that has long operated in a legal gray zone. As cameras multiply in streets, schools, public transport, and workplaces, so do the questions about how these tools are being used, who is monitoring the footage, how long data is being stored, and—most critically—what safeguards are in place to protect individual freedoms.
While surveillance technology has proven valuable in deterring crime, preserving evidence, aiding scientific research, and managing public safety, its deployment is not without controversy. The CNDP notes that how and where these systems are used varies greatly across countries, depending not only on legal and constitutional frameworks but also on cultural attitudes and social norms. Technical differences between systems and specific national security priorities further complicate the landscape.
Facial recognition, in particular, has pushed the debate into even murkier territory. When deployed in public spaces, this technology blurs the line between what’s technically feasible and what’s socially or legally acceptable. The CNDP stresses the need for ongoing evaluations of these technologies on a case-by-case basis to ensure that their benefits do not come at the expense of civil liberties.
This new initiative on surveillance is part of a broader effort by the CNDP to confront emerging challenges posed by advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. With this upcoming regulatory framework, the commission hopes to create a balanced approach—one that upholds citizens’ rights without dismissing the legitimate need for security tools in today’s world.
In an era where technological innovation often outpaces regulatory oversight, the public’s trust hinges on one fundamental principle: safety must never come at the cost of freedom.
