Individual – €1,200 Fine (Spain, 2021)
General GDPR enforcement action
This case relates to broader data protection obligations, not specifically to cookie or consent banner compliance. It is not included in cookie statistics or the Risk Calculator.
In Spain, an individual was fined for installing inactive security cameras that pointed at public areas, which made people feel they were being watched. Even though the cameras didn't record, their presence affected people's sense of privacy. This case shows that even fake surveillance can have privacy implications.
What happened
An individual installed inactive security cameras aimed at public spaces, creating the impression of surveillance.
Who was affected
People in public areas who believed they were being recorded by the cameras.
What the authority found
The Spanish data protection authority fined the individual for improperly orienting cameras towards public spaces, impacting privacy.
Why this matters
This case demonstrates that even non-functional surveillance can infringe on privacy rights. It serves as a reminder to ensure that any security measures do not intimidate or mislead the public about being monitored.
GDPR Articles Cited
The controller installed cameras on his building, which were directed towards parts of the public space. However, no recording took place, as the cameras only served as a deterrent and remained inactive. The DPA notes, however, that even simulated video surveillance has an impact on the privacy of the data subjects, as they are led to believe that they are being permanently recorded by the cameras. According to the DPA, this has an intimidating effect. Therefore, the orientation of the cameras to the public space was also improper in this case. The DPA imposed a fine of EUR 2,000 on the controller, which was reduced to EUR 1,200 due to immediate payment and acknowledgement of guilt.
Related Enforcement Actions (0)
No other enforcement actions found for Individual in ES
This is the only recorded action for this entity in this jurisdiction.
Details
Fine Date
20 January 2021
Authority
Agencia Española de Protección de Datos
Fine Amount
€1,200
Enforcement Tracker ID
ETid-528
About this data
Cite as: Cookie Fines. Individual - Spain (2021). Retrieved from cookiefines.eu
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