Video Surveillance and Privacy: What Bulgarian Law Says

Surveillance Is Powerful — and Regulated

Installing a security camera system is not just a technical decision — it's also a legal one. In Bulgaria, video surveillance is governed by a combination of national data protection law and the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Understanding the basics will help you install your system correctly, avoid fines, and respect the rights of others.

What the Law Generally Requires

While this article does not constitute legal advice, here are the key principles that apply to most video surveillance installations in Bulgaria:

  • Purpose limitation: Cameras must be installed for a specific, legitimate purpose — such as property protection — and must not be used for other purposes.
  • Proportionality: The surveillance must be proportionate to the purpose. You cannot cover your neighbor's property just because your camera has a wide angle.
  • Notice: People who enter a surveilled area must be informed. This is typically done via visible signage.
  • Data retention limits: Footage should not be stored longer than necessary for the stated purpose. In practice, 7–30 days is the typical range for most applications.
  • Access restrictions: Access to recorded footage should be limited to authorized persons only.

Specific Restrictions

Cameras must never cover areas where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists — this includes restrooms, changing rooms, and private residential spaces. In shared residential buildings, installing cameras in common areas typically requires agreement from the building's homeowners' association.

Business-Specific Obligations

Businesses that operate video surveillance must maintain a record of processing activities under GDPR Article 30. Employees must be informed about surveillance as part of their employment relationship. Some larger systems may require registration with or notification to the Commission for Personal Data Protection (КЗЛД).

Buying From Reputable Stores Helps

Reputable stores like RobiCam, Видеонаблюдение.БГ, and Мегара 1 ЕООД can advise on systems that are designed to be compliant — including cameras with configurable privacy masking zones that block out adjacent properties or sensitive areas. If you're unsure about compliance for your specific installation, consult a legal professional or the store's technical team.