Workplace video surveillance often raises plenty of doubts and questions among employees. Can an employer install cameras, and on what grounds is that allowed? And does a camera in the restroom count as a serious human rights violation? We'll address these and other questions in this article.

Video Monitoring at Work

The law doesn't prohibit an employer from monitoring their staff's work. Methods used for this can include monitoring work email, tracking working hours, recording arrival and departure times, and access control systems.

As technology has advanced, video surveillance has become the primary way employees are monitored.

Grounds for Installing Cameras

Cameras can be installed in the following cases:

  • •         To protect company property (stores, banks, shopping centers)
  • •         To monitor the work process and service quality
  • •         At sites that require heightened security (schools, hospitals, prisons, government and municipal institutions)
  • •         At sites where employee safety needs to be ensured (industrial facilities)

The Right to Privacy

When setting up surveillance, however, certain rules need to be followed. For example, cameras can't be installed without a notice sign reading “Attention! Video Surveillance in Progress.” Employees' right to privacy also needs to be respected.

For example, video monitoring is not allowed:

  • •         In the form of covert surveillance. Hidden surveillance cameras are prohibited in Russia, and purchasing, using, manufacturing, or selling one carries a substantial fine or actual prison time.
  • •         Without staff consent

Cameras in Restrooms, Locker Rooms, and Mall Fitting Rooms

These are the only spaces where installing video surveillance is strictly prohibited. If an employer installs a camera in a men's or women's restroom, or in a locker room, this is a direct violation of the right to privacy.

This is established by:

  • •         Article 23 and Article 24, Part 1 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation
  • •         The Personal Data Law

But if a hidden camera is installed in a restroom, that constitutes a criminal offense. For more, see the article “Wireless Micro Hidden Surveillance Cameras.”

If you do end up discovering hidden equipment, read the linked article for guidance.

Conclusion

Based on the above, we can conclude that workplace video surveillance is not prohibited, provided the consent of all employees has been obtained. The one thing to keep in mind is that installing cameras in restrooms, locker rooms, and fitting rooms is prohibited — especially in the form of hidden surveillance.