NPC releases new guidelines on body-worn cameras

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has released new guidelines, Circular No. 2025-01, to regulate the use of body-worn cameras by police, private security, and vloggers, emphasizing the protection of individual privacy.

The circular, effective June 10, mandates strict protocols for the lawful processing, storage, and management of audio-visual data and metadata captured by these cameras.

NPC Commissioner John Henry Naga stated that the guidelines aim to balance transparency and accountability with the prevention of unwarranted surveillance and privacy intrusion.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police, must ensure their body-worn camera usage adheres to data privacy principles, especially during sensitive operations like warrant executions.

These agencies are also required to maintain proper authorization, implement data retention policies, and provide mechanisms for public access requests and privacy complaints.