New law gives Belgian police access to private cameras

A recently passed law in Belgium gives the police access to the images of private cameras in public spaces with an aim to combat crime and terrorism. Previously, the footage from cameras belonging to individuals or businesses could only be used by the police in the case of a suspected crime or disorder. The legislation change now makes it possible for the police to watch the footage from private cameras in real time as a preventive measure.

Belgium's prime minister Charles Michel hopes that giving the police agents 'extra eyes and ears' will help to increase security across the country. The cameras will most often be used to monitor festivals and major sporting events.