The President of UODO (Poland’s Data Protection Authority) imposed two fines on the Ujastek Medical Centre in Kraków totalling over PLN 1.1 million for illegal video surveillance in the neonatology ward. The cameras, which patients and staff were not informed about, recorded intimate moments between mothers and newborns. In addition, the hospital reported that memory cards with recordings had been lost and were not properly secured.

Monitoring in the workplace must be regulated in a collective agreement, work regulations or a notice. The provisions must clearly set out: the purpose, scope and method of use of the monitoring. Monitoring of sanitary facilities, cloakrooms, canteens or smoking rooms is prohibited. The areas to be monitored must be visibly and legibly marked. Confirmation that the employee has read the employer's monitoring policy is kept in the personnel file.

It is a good idea to review internal policies on the use of monitoring.

Find more in the PRO HR February 2025.