Erfurt Anger: Video surveillance is delayed - data protection worries!

Erfurt Anger: Video surveillance is delayed - data protection worries!

Am Erfurter Anger, a central place for purchasing and transport, was postponed to the introduction of video surveillance systems due to data protection concerns for an indefinite period. This reports mdr . The start of the surveillance, originally planned for July 14th, will not be expected before the end of the summer vacation, because the details of the recordings still have to be adapted to the legal requirements.

An important reason for the delay is the need to blacken the entrances to shops in the videos. The state's data protection officer and the responsible police authorities are in intensive votes to ensure that the rights of the citizens are preserved. The planned twelve cameras should be covered in particular in demonstrations in order not to violate the rights of the protesters.

a crime focus

The Anger is a main focus of crime in Erfurt, where robberies, drug trafficking and assault often occur. According to the police crime statistics from 2020, Erfurt recorded most of the crimes in Thuringia and one of the lowest educational rates, which is 58.8 %, as the CDU parliamentary group Erfurt states on its website. Michael Hose, the chairman of the CDU parliamentary group, calls for an increase in police presence and has long been calling for measures such as video surveillance in crime-contaminated locations.

The planned video surveillance not only hopes for a faster reaction from the police, but also a deterrent effect on potential offenders. The CDU criticizes the current blockade of the red-red-green state government and sees an urgent need for more police presence and legal foundations for video surveillance in dangerous places, such as the Anger.

The data protection in focus

But the discussion about video surveillance is not only a matter of security, but also privacy. Experts indicate that video surveillance is an input into personal rights. The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information emphasizes that the legal requirements for video surveillance are high in order not to violate the fundamental rights of the citizens. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires that recordings may only take place for a privileged purpose, e.g. danger defense or for the pursuit of the crime.

Some citizens have expressed concerns about the new technology. In a study that deals with security aspects and adaptation to climate change, younger women, above all, stated that camera technology was threatening. Even if the results of the study are not representative, they show that a modern surveillance system does not automatically improve the feeling of security, as the city develops.

The plans for redesigning the Angers also receive support from students: Interior of the Bauhaus University Weimar, which develop creative ideas for converting the “Anger 1” department store. Urban development director Lars Bredemeier shows great interest in these suggestions and has discussions with the owner of the department store.

The continued discussions about video surveillance, the security situation and the planned urban planning measures show that there is still a lot of movement in Erfurt. Whether the video surveillance in the Anger ultimately offers the desired protection or the concerns of the citizens will remain open for the time being.