Legal situation

Surveillance by neighbors: doorbell as a problem

Smart technology with video recording or live transmission: Data protection rules must be observed in any case.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com, Krone KREATIV)

The smarter, the better - that's how technology freaks usually handle it. For many, a smart doorbell with image transmission and video surveillance is simply part of the package. However, the legal situation is not quite so simple and clear: we asked what the legal situation is regarding surveillance by neighbors.

Most people in this country already know that you have to be careful how and what you record with surveillance cameras - only your own property or front door is permitted: "A general right of every person to respect for their private sphere and privacy is derived from Section 16 of the Austrian Civil Code (ABGB), according to which every person has inherent rights that are already obvious through reason," explains lawyer Martin Bleckmann.