This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
Brief Answer: As of April 1, 2025, entities that previously sought permission from IMY no longer need a permit for camera surveillance. Instead, they must conduct a documented balancing of interests—the interest in surveillance must outweigh the individual's privacy interest—and maintain a record of the surveillance. It is not "free for all." IMY continues to have oversight and can impose sanctions.
The guide complements the more private angle in camera surveillance: what applies and is related to the Police. The connection to real-time AI: facial recognition from July 1, 2026.
What changed on April 1, 2025?
Through amendments to the Camera Surveillance Act (prop. 2024/25:93), the permit requirement ceased. IMY no longer pre-approves whether surveillance may occur. Those conducting surveillance are responsible for ensuring legality—and IMY reviews it afterward.
According to IMY's guidance, this means, among other things:
- documented balancing of interests before surveillance begins or is significantly changed
- record of ongoing and recently ceased surveillance
- the same requirement that the interest in surveillance outweighs the privacy interest
- continued application of GDPR/criminal data law depending on the actor
Balancing of Interests – What Does It Mean Practically?
The balancing of interests is the core. Those who wish to conduct camera surveillance must be able to demonstrate why the surveillance is necessary and why it does not go further than necessary. IMY highlights, among other things, crime prevention in crime-prone areas, order and security, and that the surveillance is necessary for the task.
If conditions change—more cameras, sound, longer times, more sensitive areas—a new documented balancing is often needed.
Police and Public Authorities' Cameras
Law enforcement agencies already had certain relaxations. The 2025 reform further expanded the possibilities and simplified the procedure for public authorities. At the same time, the camera network is being politically expanded (fixed cameras, mobile, drones, ANPR).
From July 1, 2026, certain camera streams can also be analyzed with AI for real-time facial recognition under special law. The camera is thus not just an "archive"—it can become active analysis. See AI facial recognition.
Private Camera vs Authority Camera
The rules differ depending on who is conducting the surveillance:
- Private individual/housing association/company: the Camera Surveillance Act and GDPR still apply, but the permit requirement with IMY has practically never been the main route for many private cases. See what applies (yard, neighbor, stairwell).
- Authority/public task: the 2025 reform primarily affects those who were previously required to have a permit. They must now document the balancing themselves.
What You Can Do If You Are Filmed
- Note the location, time, and signage. Is there information about camera surveillance?
- Ask who is responsible for personal data—municipality, region, school, police, private actor?
- Request information about yourself according to data protection/criminal data and request documents. See request public documents.
- Request deletion or restriction when there is legal support—or complain to IMY if the processing seems illegal.
- Document your own version if the material is used against you in contact with authorities. See record meeting and film the police.
FAQ
Can the municipality now freely install cameras?
No. The permit is gone, but the balancing of interests, proportionality, and documentation remain. IMY can intervene afterward.
Does the change apply from May 1 or April 1?
According to IMY, the permit requirement ceased on March 31, 2025, and new rules apply from April 1, 2025.
What happens to old IMY permits?
The permits ceased as permits but can in some cases serve as documented balancing of interests as long as conditions have not changed significantly.
Are police cameras the same as AI facial recognition?
No. Camera surveillance is the foundation. Real-time AI is a special tool with its own law from July 1, 2026.
