1. Purpose
Bern Technologies provides CCTV installation, configuration, maintenance and related technology services. This policy explains how CCTV systems may be installed and managed and addresses privacy and responsible surveillance considerations.
2. CCTV Services
Our CCTV services may include camera installation, network video recorders, IP cameras, remote viewing, CCTV networking, storage configuration, maintenance, system upgrades, remote monitoring and technical support.
3. Customer Responsibility
The customer is responsible for ensuring that its use of CCTV complies with applicable laws and regulations. This may include obligations relating to privacy, employees, visitors, customers, employees' representatives, signage, data retention, access to recordings and disclosure of recordings.
Bern Technologies can provide technical assistance but does not provide legal advice regarding surveillance compliance.
4. Placement of Cameras
Customers should ensure that cameras are positioned for legitimate security or operational purposes. Cameras should not be deliberately positioned in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, except where specifically permitted by law.
Areas requiring particular care include bathrooms, changing rooms, bedrooms, private offices and other private areas.
5. CCTV Recordings
CCTV recordings may contain personal information. The customer is generally responsible for determining why recordings are collected, how long they are retained, who may access them, when they are deleted and when they may be disclosed.
6. Access to Recordings
Access to CCTV recordings should be restricted to authorised persons. Bern Technologies technicians may access recordings where reasonably necessary to install systems, troubleshoot problems, perform maintenance, investigate technical issues or provide an agreed service.
7. Remote Access
Where remote CCTV viewing is configured, customers are responsible for protecting their accounts and passwords. Customers should use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication where available, individual user accounts where supported and appropriate access restrictions.
8. Cloud CCTV
Where CCTV footage is stored using a cloud service, the applicable cloud provider's terms, privacy policy and retention rules may also apply. Bern Technologies does not control third-party cloud platforms.
9. Retention
CCTV recordings should not be retained indefinitely without a legitimate reason. Customers should establish an appropriate retention period based on their operational and legal requirements.
10. Disclosure
CCTV recordings may only be disclosed where there is a lawful and legitimate reason to do so. This may include police investigations, court proceedings, insurance claims, security investigations, internal investigations or other legally permitted purposes.
11. Technical Limitations
CCTV systems can be affected by power failures, internet outages, storage failure, camera failure, network failure, weather, physical damage, cybersecurity incidents and other technical problems. Bern Technologies cannot guarantee continuous recording or uninterrupted remote access.
12. Legal Compliance
Customers remain responsible for ensuring their surveillance activities comply with applicable South African law, including applicable privacy and employment legislation. Bern Technologies' role is primarily technical unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing.
13. Contact
For questions relating to CCTV services:
Bern Technologies
Email: info@berntechnologies.co.za
Telephone: +27 76 169 6412