The Shoura Council rejected on Tuesday a proposal submitted by Mofleh Al-Rashidi, a member of the council, calling for the installation of security and surveillance cameras in homes as a security measure to protect citizens and residents. The proposal calls for tasking security institutions and civilian security guard companies to implement and oversee the security service using digital electronic technology systems.

In the opinion of a majority of council members, however, the service would be an unlawful violation of citizens’ privacy.

This came after the council was briefed on a report from the Commission on Security Affairs, presented by Committee Chairman Saud Al-Subai.

The majority of members rejected the proposal, noting it would lead to more negative outcomes than positive. Members also decided that assigning private companies to carry out the work proposed is dangerous, arguing that many video clips extracted from such devices have been published on YouTube and other websites in violation of the people’s privacy.

Members agreed surveillance cameras should be installed in government buildings, schools, and other major public facilities as a more important and priority measure than installing such devices in homes.

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