scOS sees your data as your data.

Why GDPR Compliance Matters

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK GDPR are not just legal frameworks—they're comprehensive privacy protection philosophies codified into law. They represent recognition that personal data requires protection, that individuals have rights over their information, and that organizations processing data must be accountable.

Most companies treat GDPR as regulatory burden: legal checkboxes to tick, compliance minimums to meet, rights requests to handle slowly. They comply because fines for non-compliance are severe—the ICO has issued penalties including £20 million to British Airways and £14 million to IT services giant Capita—not because they respect the privacy principles underlying the regulation.

scOS treats GDPR differently: as framework articulating privacy principles we already believe. Data minimization, user rights, consent, transparency, security—these aren't obligations we reluctantly satisfy. They're foundations we build upon.

GDPR compliance isn't afterthought for scOS—it's architecture.

The GDPR Principles That Matter

UK GDPR establishes principles governing personal data processing. Understanding these reveals what privacy-respecting security should look like.

Lawfulness, fairness, transparency. Data processing must have legal basis, be fair to individuals, and be transparent about what's happening. scOS provides clear explanations about data collection, explicit consent for optional features, and honest privacy communications in plain English.

Purpose limitation. Data collected for specific purposes shouldn't be repurposed. scOS collects footage for security—period. No repurposing for advertising, AI training without consent, or commercial exploitation. Purpose stays limited to security services.

Data minimization. Collect only data necessary for specified purposes. scOS architecture enforces this: end-to-end encryption means we cannot access most customer data. We process only what's essential because architecture prevents collecting more.

Accuracy. Data must be accurate and kept up to date. scOS footage is inherently accurate—video recordings of actual events. Metadata is automatically timestamped and cryptographically verified.

Storage limitation. Data shouldn't be kept longer than necessary. scOS lets customers control retention: delete anytime, set automatic deletion schedules, maintain only what you want. Storage duration controlled by you, not indefinite retention justified vaguely.

Integrity and confidentiality. Data must be secured against unauthorized access, loss, damage. scOS implements military-grade encryption, secure transmission, robust access controls. Security protecting privacy technically, not just procedurally.

Accountability. Organizations must demonstrate compliance. scOS maintains detailed logs, undergoes external audits, publishes transparency reports. Accountability through verifiable evidence, not just policy documents.

Domestic CCTV and GDPR Responsibilities

UK ICO provides specific guidance on domestic CCTV and GDPR. When your security cameras capture beyond your property boundaries, data protection law applies. Most security companies leave customers to figure this out alone. scOS helps you comply.

Domestic exemption is limited. Personal data processed for household activities is exempt from GDPR—but only if cameras don't capture beyond property boundaries. If your cameras see neighbor's property, pavement, shared areas—exemption doesn't apply. You become data controller with GDPR obligations.

Legitimate interest as legal basis. Home security is legitimate interest justifying CCTV. But you must balance this against neighbors' privacy rights. Can't capture their windows, private spaces, or disproportionately intrusive angles. Legitimate security doesn't justify surveillance overreach.

Transparency requirements apply. If cameras capture public or neighbor areas, you must provide signage indicating CCTV is operating and how people can contact you. scOS provides signage templates satisfying ICO guidance.

Subject access requests from neighbors. If neighbor appears in your footage, they can request copies of recordings showing them. scOS provides tools to review and export specific clips, helping you respond to legitimate requests without exposing your entire security system.

Privacy zones mask sensitive areas. scOS privacy masking lets you black out neighbor's windows, private areas, public spaces while recording your property. Compliance through technology—software enforces privacy boundaries.

Retention limitations matter. Can't retain footage indefinitely without justification. scOS lets you set retention periods: delete after 7 days, 30 days, or custom timeframes. Only keep what's necessary for security, delete the rest automatically.

For more detailed guidance, visit our Data Ethics Zone where we publish articles about CCTV compliance and privacy best practices.

Data Minimization Through Architecture

GDPR requires collecting only necessary data. Most companies interpret this broadly—justifying extensive collection as arguably necessary. scOS enforces minimization architecturally.

End-to-end encryption prevents unnecessary collection. Customer footage is encrypted with keys we don't possess. We cannot collect data we cannot access. Architecture enforces data minimization more effectively than policy promises.

Local processing reduces data transmission. Most AI analysis happens on Intelligence Hub—footage doesn't leave your property. Only encrypted data transmits to cloud for backup. Minimal data transmission because processing is local.

No behavioral analytics for advertising. Many security companies collect behavioral insights—when you're home, daily patterns, lifestyle indicators—for advertising or data sales. scOS doesn't collect this because our business doesn't require it. Data minimization through business model alignment.

Metadata limited to necessary. We collect minimum metadata for security services: timestamps, camera identifiers, event types. No browsing history, location tracking beyond property boundaries, or lifestyle profiling. Just what's necessary for security.

Third-party data sharing minimized. AWS hosts encrypted data only—no analytics platforms, advertising networks, or data brokers. Minimal third-party involvement because our architecture doesn't require data sharing ecosystem.

User Rights Implemented as Features

GDPR grants individuals rights over their data. scOS implements these as app features—not bureaucratic request processes.

Right to access—instant data downloads. GDPR requires organizations provide copies of personal data upon request within 30 days. scOS lets you download all your data instantly from app: footage, logs, account information, AI model data. No formal request, no waiting—just download.

Right to erasure—immediate deletion. GDPR's right to be forgotten requires data deletion when no longer necessary. scOS implements this as simple app function: delete footage anytime. Deletion is permanent—data and encryption keys destroyed. Cryptographic verification confirms erasure.

Right to rectification—account control. GDPR allows correcting inaccurate personal data. scOS lets you update account information, property details, configuration settings directly. Accuracy maintained through user control.

Right to data portability—standard formats. GDPR requires data export in portable format. scOS provides footage as standard video files, settings as JSON, logs as CSV. Usable formats enabling migration to competitors. We don't trap you with proprietary encoding.

Right to object—granular controls. GDPR allows objecting to data processing. scOS provides granular controls: disable features, limit data collection, opt out of voluntary programs. Processing aligned with your preferences.

Rights exercisable without support. You shouldn't need to contact customer service to exercise GDPR rights. scOS implements rights as app features you control directly. Immediate, empowering, no bureaucratic barriers.

Consent and Transparency in Practice

GDPR requires informed consent for data processing. scOS provides clear, honest explanations before collecting any data.

Clear purpose explanation. Every data collection has clear explanation: footage recorded for security, cloud backup for redundancy, AI analysis for threat detection. No vague service delivery language hiding actual purposes.

Separate consent for optional features. AI training is completely optional, requiring explicit opt-in. You're not bundled into AI training because you want security services. Separate consent for separate purposes.

Granular control over data use. Enable cloud backup or rely on local storage only? Share with AI training or keep footage private? You control data use through clear settings—not buried in policy, but accessible in app.

Plain English, not legal jargon. Privacy communications written clearly. Not hiding behind legal terminology. If we collect data, we explain why in language you understand.

Changes require consent. If we want to introduce new data uses, we ask first. No retroactive policy changes applying to data collected under previous terms. Your consent governs data collected during that consent period.

Privacy-First Breach Response

GDPR requires breach notification within 72 hours to regulators and affected individuals. scOS commits to immediate transparency beyond legal minimums.

Rapid detection and response. Security monitoring identifies breaches quickly. Immediate investigation and containment. No delays hoping breach won't be discovered—rapid response as priority.

Honest impact assessment. When breach occurs, honest assessment of impact. Because footage is end-to-end encrypted, most breaches expose only encrypted data. We communicate this clearly: what was accessed, why content remains secure, what risks exist.

Customer notification without delay. We notify affected customers within hours—not waiting for legal 72-hour maximum. If your data was potentially exposed, you deserve to know immediately.

ICO notification as required. We notify Information Commissioner's Office as GDPR requires, with full details of breach, impact assessment, and response measures. Regulatory transparency as legal obligation and ethical commitment.

Transparency report updates. All breaches are documented in public transparency reports. Customers can verify our breach response track record. Accountability through public disclosure.

Lessons learned publicly shared. After breach investigation completes, we publish lessons learned—what happened, how we're preventing recurrence, what security improvements resulted. Learning from failures transparently.

Third-Party Data Sharing Transparency

GDPR restricts third-party data sharing and requires transparency about data processors. scOS maintains minimal third-party relationships and discloses them clearly.

AWS for encrypted storage only. Amazon Web Services hosts encrypted data in Ireland. AWS cannot decrypt—they store encrypted blobs only. Limited data processor relationship for infrastructure.

No advertising, analytics, or marketing platforms. Zero relationships with ad networks, analytics services, or marketing platforms. No hidden data sharing justified as service improvement.

No data broker partnerships. We don't participate in data broker ecosystem. Customer data isn't aggregated, anonymized, and sold as industry insights. No participation in data economy.

Clear documentation of data flows. Privacy policy and transparency reports clearly document where data goes: from camera to hub, hub to app, hub to AWS encrypted backup. Complete data flow visibility.

Contractual protections with processors. AWS relationship includes strict data processing agreements meeting GDPR Article 28 requirements. Processors contractually obligated to protect data, enable customer rights, notify of breaches.

GDPR and UK Data Protection Post-Brexit

UK retained GDPR principles after Brexit through UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. scOS complies with both UK and EU frameworks.

UK GDPR substantially identical to EU GDPR. Core principles, individual rights, organizational obligations remain nearly identical. Compliance with one satisfies the other in practice.

Data stored in EU Ireland. Customer data hosted in EU jurisdiction under EU GDPR. Benefits from European Data Protection Board guidance and Court of Justice precedents.

ICO as UK regulator. Information Commissioner's Office enforces UK GDPR. scOS follows ICO guidance on domestic CCTV, security cameras, data protection practices.

EU adequacy decision recognized UK. EU recognizes UK as providing adequate data protection, allowing data transfers. scOS benefits from this recognition while exceeding minimum standards.

Future-proof against divergence. If UK weakens protections post-Brexit, data stored in EU Ireland retains European protections. Architecture provides protection regardless of political changes.

Integration With Other Privacy Features

GDPR compliance works alongside other scOS privacy capabilities to create comprehensive protection.

Combined with Encrypted Storage, GDPR's security requirements are exceeded—end-to-end encryption provides technical protection beyond legal minimums.

Paired with Transparent Operation, GDPR's transparency requirements are implemented as architectural features—not just policy documents.

Integrated with UK-Based operations, GDPR compliance is primary legal framework—not foreign company's UK export compliance.

Connected to No Data Selling, GDPR's purpose limitation is enforced by business model—data isn't collected for secondary commercial purposes.

Privacy by Design, Not Compliance Theater

Many companies treat GDPR as legal burden—minimum compliance, maximum data extraction. Privacy policies updated, cookie banners added, but fundamental data practices unchanged.

scOS treats GDPR as privacy framework articulating principles we embrace: data minimization, user rights, consent, transparency, security, accountability. These aren't obligations—they're foundations.

When security cameras respect GDPR principles genuinely—not just legally—privacy becomes real. Not policy promises, but architectural reality.

Your data minimized because architecture prevents unnecessary collection. Your rights exercisable instantly through app features. Your consent respected for every purpose. Your privacy protected by technology enforcing what regulations require.

This is GDPR compliance as it should be: technical implementation of privacy principles, not legal checkbox exercise.

See all scOS features to understand how GDPR Compliance works alongside other privacy-focused capabilities to provide security that actually respects your privacy and legal rights.