VIDEO doorbells are causing disputes between neighbours and need to be regulated, a Glasgow MSP has said.
The bells have become popular in recent years, allowing people to see who is approaching their door and the footage can be accessed from a mobile phone before the person decides to answer.
When someone rings the bell an alert is sent to the linked phone and people can talk to the visitor via a speaker.
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Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, said powers need to be used to restrict their use in communal flats.
The doorbells use motion sensors to capture images of anyone within a set distance of the doorbell.
The MSP asked the Scottish Government’s Community Safety Minister if she had any concerns over their use in domestic homes.
He said: “Video doorbells in communal areas of flats often record footage of anyone passing via motion sensors.
“That footage is accessed remotely. It has been my experience that it can exacerbate neighbour disputes and the impact on vulnerable individuals.”
He said that it has been suggested by the Information Commissioner’s Office that those who are concerned about surveillance can request access to the footage that is held of them and ensure that it is deleted when it is no longer required.
Doris said that idea was “just fanciful”.
He asked if housing and community safety powers could be used to work with housing associations and the police to “review, regulate or restrict the use of video doorbells for residential flattedproperties”.
Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said anyone with a video doorbell needs to make sure they are acting within the laws and should respect their neighbours’ privacy.
She added: “Avenues exist for people to challenge a neighbour’s use of a video doorbell.
“If they believe that domestic CCTV is used in an antisocial, harassing or intimidating way for instance, which might constitute a criminal matter, they will be able to contact the police.”
She added everyone has the right to feel safe in their community.
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