Lanzarote En Pie warns about the improper use of surveillance cameras by the Arrecife City Council

Lanzarote En Pie (LEP) warned this Friday about the possible economic and legal risks derived from the incorrect or imprudent use of municipal surveillance cameras by the Arrecife City Council, especially in relation to the protection of personal data.

The municipal organization's warning comes after the City Council publicly disseminated on its social networks the images of a surveillance camera in which a person is clearly observed depositing belongings in a container area. It should be remembered that this fact occurs within the framework of a municipal campaign against illegal dumping, where the local administration has already identified several people through images from surveillance cameras.

From the municipal organization they emphasize that they firmly support initiatives that seek to improve citizen security and stop incivility, although the City Council must strictly comply with current regulations on video surveillance and protection of personal data. They also emphasize that the law clearly distinguishes between cameras intended for traffic surveillance and cameras for citizen security, each with a very limited use and requirements.

Leandro Delgado, municipal spokesperson, stated: "We do not question the usefulness of cameras to improve public safety and stop incivility. However, it is essential that they are used rigorously and respectfully with the law. Improper use can lead to very high economic sanctions for the city council and would end up affecting the pockets of the citizens of Arrecife."

From LEP, they remind the Council that cameras intended for citizen security require specific and prior authorization from the Government Delegation, in addition to binding reports from the Video Surveillance Guarantee Commission. Likewise, the areas must be properly identified, and these cameras cannot be used for different purposes or disseminate their images publicly without authorization.

In this context, the municipal organization stressed that the images captured by these cameras are considered personal data, subject to strict principles such as limitation of purpose, minimization and proportionality. "Unauthorized dissemination on social networks or media not only violates these principles, but also exposes the municipality to very large fines," Delgado stressed.

On the other hand, Lanzarote En Pie demands that the municipal home collection service be reinforced, due to the numerous neighborhood complaints about deficiencies in it.

Finally, Lanzarote En Pie urged the Arrecife City Council to manage with transparency, ethics and full respect for fundamental rights, guaranteeing that the use of public resources is carried out with all guarantees.