Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to prevent unapproved filming of children in public places.

The Government takes children’s safety and privacy very seriously. In most circumstances, filming people, including children, in public places is lawful and reflects rights to freedom of expression. However, these rights are not absolute and must be balanced against the right to privacy, with particular weight given where a child’s interests may be affected. Filming that is indecent or amounts to harassment or stalking is a criminal offence. Where data protection legislation applies, its requirements must be complied with (e.g. processing must be lawful, fair and transparent). The Information Commissioner’s Office enforces this legislation and must have regard to the specific protection afforded to children’s personal data.