Is CCTV in changing rooms necessary?

The knowledge that CCTV is filming in the changing rooms of a public swimming pool is disquieting. The assurance that there is software that can block out nearby cubicles and protect visitor privacy doesn’t dull the scepticism.

A privacy watchdog calls this a massive invasion of privacy, and certainly it does seem excessively intrusive.

Further, it is surprising to learn that it is not illegal to have CCTV in changing rooms.

The member of the public who discovered the camera is naturally suspicious of the software’s ability to block out certain areas, although Leisure & Culture Dundee, who operate the swimming pool, assure us that this is the case, and furthermore that the software can’t be altered.

But if the cameras are recording, is there not unedited footage, before the software editor is applied?

And why is it necessary to have cameras in the changing rooms anyway when they can film from the entrances and staff are always in attendance?

It’s also a violation of the perception, and expectation, of privacy. What are the safety concerns that can’t be addressed in other, more palatable ways?

In fairness, the best of intentions have probably gone into this, but the execution seems heavy-handed and invasive.

It’s a situation that needs further investigation, because it raises a lot of questions, and doesn’t inspire trust.