Homestay Explains Installing Cameras for Security Surveillance
A recent incident involving a guest (account L.L on social media) accusing the homestay owner of installing camera at a homestay in The Sóng building (Vũng Tàu City) has drawn public attention in recent days.
In response to this incident, Lao Động newspaper reporter interviewed Mrs. K.V (the homestay owner) who provided explanations on several details.
According to Mrs. V, the camera was installed by the homeowner in the entrance area to monitor security and detect intruders. It can also assist in protecting the guest's property. Previously, there were two instances of break-ins at this apartment, with the most recent one resulting in the theft of a smart home system worth approximately 16 million VND.
This was not a case of pointing the camera at the bathroom or monitoring the guest's daily activities. After discovering the issue, the guest dismantled the cameras, and Mrs. V took responsibility for compensating the homeowner. The homestay also apologized to the guest for the oversight of not informing them about the camera installation.
"During the dispute with the guest, I made a careless statement. My intention was to monitor security and order in the building, not to imply that other apartments also have cameras. I also apologize for causing the guest to misunderstand and affecting other apartments," Mrs. V stated.
Regarding the guest (account L.L on social media) who accused the homestay of installing cameras without informing them, the guest's posts on social media in Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu have been removed. The guest has posted a new article, stating that they have received an apology from the homeowner and homestay manager. They also clarified that they were only referring to one apartment and not all apartments in The Sóng building.
According to the reporter's observation, the homestay business in The Sóng building is quite bustling, and there have been no similar incidents in the past. The other apartments do not have cameras for monitoring.
Ms. Đ.T.M.Th (born in 1982, residing in Đồng Tháp) stated that she has rented apartments in The Sóng building several times to visit her relatives in Vũng Tàu and has not noticed any camera installations in the apartments she has stayed in.
Regulations related to installing cameras in rented apartments
According to Lawyer Đặng Thành Trí (Đặng Thành Law Firm, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Bar Association), installing camera in rented apartments, homestays, or at accommodation businesses is the right of the property owner, and the law does not prohibit it.
However, when cameras are in operation, capturing images is a data collection activity, which may involve personal information. Therefore, it is essential to avoid installing cameras in sensitive areas such as bedrooms or bathrooms. In reality, some public areas have cameras installed, often with a sign indicating "security camera" to inform the public.
Therefore, if a camera is installed without informing the guest, it may violate the collection and use of personal information without the guest's consent. This behavior may be subject to administrative fines under Article 84 of the 2020 Decree 15 (amended by Decree 14 in 2022).
In addition, depending on the form, level, purpose, and method of dissemination, individuals may face penalties or be prosecuted for other crimes under the law and the conclusions of relevant authorities.
In an interview with Lao Động newspaper, Mr. Trịnh Hàng, Director of the Department of Tourism, stated that the department has been informed of the incident. Every year, the department organizes campaigns to disseminate and popularize the law among accommodation establishments and tourism service providers in the province, aiming to ensure that they understand and implement the regulations to promote the local tourism image.
"This is a new incident, and it is the first time it has occurred in the province. We will review the relevant regulations and continue to disseminate and popularize the law to ensure that establishments and individuals understand and implement it in the future," Mr. Hàng said.
