Tanzania has introduced a new legal measure making it a criminal offence to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems without proper registration, in a move aimed at strengthening surveillance oversight and national security.
Under the new directive, individuals and organizations are now required to formally register CCTV systems with the relevant authorities before installation or operation. Failure to comply will attract legal penalties, signaling a tougher regulatory approach to the use of surveillance technology.
The policy is intended to improve accountability and ensure that surveillance infrastructure across the country is properly monitored. Authorities say unregulated CCTV installations pose potential risks, including misuse of data, breaches of privacy, and security vulnerabilities.
By enforcing registration, the government aims to create a centralized system that can track and regulate surveillance activities, while also enhancing the role of CCTV in crime prevention and public safety.
Officials emphasize that the new law is part of broader efforts to modernize Tanzania’s security framework, particularly as the use of digital and monitoring technologies continues to expand across both public and private sectors.
The development places increased responsibility on businesses, institutions, and homeowners to comply with regulatory requirements, as the government moves to tighten control over surveillance systems
