Surveillance cameras raise concerns in Algeria

Controversial closed-circuit television (CCTV) raised concerns among human rights activists and lawyers in Algeria over the loss of privacy of people under surveillance. They warn of a possible negative impact of surveillance cameras on personal liberties stipulated in the Constitution.

• Lawyer Khaled Borghel believes that the use of CCTV is seen in many countries including the democratic ones. “Surveillance cameras ensure the safety of people and their properties. They also keep watch on traffic,” he said.
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• He added that the operation does not constitute any violation of the Constitution.
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• Chairman of the National League of Human Rights Defence Boudjemaa Ghachir said the cameras are set up in public places. “That would push people to keep watch on their behaviours. There is no problem in this system as long as the cameras respect house, office and people’s specificities.”
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• On the other hand, the lawyers reject the use of high tech cameras which can catch sounds and images from a distance. “This is out of question, according to the law.”
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• Doubts were raised as the Algerian interior ministry said it did not monitor the installed cameras in public places in the capital. That raised the question about who operates this system in the country.
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• In Algeria there is no clear legal text that regulates the use of CCTV and who should operate it. The government classified surveillance cameras in “sensitive tools” category along with weapons.
• Operators expressed their astonishment at the classification saying other available devices such as mobile phones can shoot in a high exactness. “If cameras were spying tools, foreigners (Koreans) would not have been allowed to install them in the capital,” said an operator.
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• According to experts, surveillance cameras industry value in Algeria is estimated at $2.5 billion. The government decided to install CCTV in Algeria’s 48 provinces, the East-West Motorway, oil facilities and pipelines.
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• Surveillance cameras in Algiers cost $320 million.