Calculate CCTV Retention Periods — Free Tool for UK Businesses
Select each camera’s purpose and get ICO-aligned retention period recommendations with documented justifications for your CCTV policy.
How the CCTV Retention Calculator Works
Add each of your cameras with its location and primary purpose, and this tool recommends an appropriate retention period based on ICO guidance and standard practice for that type of surveillance. Each recommendation includes a justification you can use in your CCTV policy and camera register.
Why Retention Periods Matter
The storage limitation principle under UK GDPR means you must keep CCTV footage only as long as necessary for its stated purpose. There is no fixed legal maximum — the right period depends on why the camera is there. The ICO's general position is that 30 days is appropriate for most routine business CCTV, but cameras serving different purposes may justify different periods.
Keeping footage indefinitely — or without a documented retention schedule — is a breach of the storage limitation principle and a common finding in ICO investigations.
This tool provides general guidance. It is not legal advice. If your situation involves specific regulatory requirements (e.g., financial services, healthcare), consult a data protection professional.
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