Justice Minister aims to ease surveillance rules

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard seeks to relax regulations on public space surveillance, which is part of an upcoming government safety package, reports Jyllands-Posten. The proposal involves abolishing the requirement that surveillance cameras can only be installed in common areas, entrances, and facades to combat crime if deemed essential. Instead, surveillance will qualify if it’s considered a ‘peace of mind’ initiative. In addition, the government plans to allocate an extra 8.6 million kroner for surveillance in 2025. The proposal also includes eliminating the stipulation that municipalities can only set up surveillance near a housing association if the association has already established its own surveillance, and the cameras should be installed with maximum regard for residents’ privacy, such as not filming into apartments. The approach comes after previous critiques that more surveillance meant more security and ultimately more freedom.