The most common use and what they were originally conceived for is to detect intrusions in spaces, closed or open, since the system can be installed from offices, shopping centers or open-air public parking lots, among others. Along these same lines, the control of theft and theft in stores and warehouses is another of the most widespread purposes in this type of systems.

However, the applications of IP video surveillance have been increasing as the software has advanced in performance. In this sense, it is now possible to carry out access control, both for people and vehicles; or the control of processes in assembly lines, reinforcing the prevention of occupational risks.

Recently, city councils have extended the use that other organizations were already making of these systems, such as the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) for traffic control, to video surveillance of open spaces in conflictive areas, in an attempt to reduce crime, prostitution, etc.

Spanish legislation is very strict when it comes to regulating the installation and use of video surveillance cameras, with several Organic Laws that address the matter. Likewise, the Spanish Data Protection Agency also dedicates a special section to this matter, considering that its use may affect identified or identifiable people, so this information constitutes personal data.

The main Organic Laws that regulate this activity are:.

Among the minimum requirements required for the implementation of a video surveillance system when it affects personal data, the following stand out:

• The installation of cameras or video cameras is only admissible when the purpose of surveillance cannot be achieved by other means that, without requiring disproportionate efforts, are less intrusive to the privacy of people and their right to the protection of personal data.

• Cameras and video cameras installed in private spaces may not obtain images of public spaces unless it is essential for the intended surveillance purpose, or it is impossible to avoid it due to the location of the cameras.

• Images will only be processed when they are appropriate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the scope and determined, legitimate and explicit purposes. If an image file is created (not just using real-time video), it must be registered in the General Registry and interested parties must have forms detailing the information about the file and its purpose, the recipient of the data, the possibility of exercising the rights by the interested party, and the identification of the person responsible for the file.

• Images may not remain stored for more than one month from the date of capture.

• In accordance with Instruction 1/2006 and in compliance with the right to information, those responsible who have video surveillance systems must place, in the video-surveillance areas, at least one informative badge located in a sufficiently visible place, both in open and closed spaces.

The European Committee for Electro Technical Standardization (CENELEC) developed the IP protection degree standard (IEC 60529)[1] to classify the levels of environmental protection that the casings of electrical devices present against solid and liquid objects. The nomenclature used by the standard consists of the letters IP (Ingress Protection) followed by two digits, the first indicating the level of protection against solid objects (for example dust) and the second against liquids (for example water). In this way, a device that has IP66 certification indicates total protection against the entry of dust and very powerful jets of water), while an IP44 certification would correspond to a device that has protection from the entry of solid objects larger than 1 mm and water jets.

The most common use and what they were originally conceived for is to detect intrusions in spaces, closed or open, since the system can be installed from offices, shopping centers or open-air public parking lots, among others. Along these same lines, the control of theft and theft in stores and warehouses is another of the most widespread purposes in this type of systems.

However, the applications of IP video surveillance have been increasing as the software has advanced in performance. In this sense, it is now possible to carry out access control, both for people and vehicles; or the control of processes in assembly lines, reinforcing the prevention of occupational risks.

Recently, city councils have extended the use that other organizations were already making of these systems, such as the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) for traffic control, to video surveillance of open spaces in conflictive areas, in an attempt to reduce crime, prostitution, etc.

Spanish legislation is very strict when it comes to regulating the installation and use of video surveillance cameras, with several Organic Laws that address the matter. Likewise, the Spanish Data Protection Agency also dedicates a special section to this matter, considering that its use may affect identified or identifiable people, so this information constitutes personal data.

The main Organic Laws that regulate this activity are:.

Among the minimum requirements required for the implementation of a video surveillance system when it affects personal data, the following stand out:

• The installation of cameras or video cameras is only admissible when the purpose of surveillance cannot be achieved by other means that, without requiring disproportionate efforts, are less intrusive to the privacy of people and their right to the protection of personal data.

• Cameras and video cameras installed in private spaces may not obtain images of public spaces unless it is essential for the intended surveillance purpose, or it is impossible to avoid it due to the location of the cameras.

• Images will only be processed when they are appropriate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the scope and determined, legitimate and explicit purposes. If an image file is created (not just using real-time video), it must be registered in the General Registry and interested parties must have forms detailing the information about the file and its purpose, the recipient of the data, the possibility of exercising the rights by the interested party, and the identification of the person responsible for the file.

• Images may not remain stored for more than one month from the date of capture.

• In accordance with Instruction 1/2006 and in compliance with the right to information, those responsible who have video surveillance systems must place, in the video-surveillance areas, at least one informative badge located in a sufficiently visible place, both in open and closed spaces.