Security cameras to be installed inside Athens metro trains

Under the fear of terrorist attacks, Greece’s independent privacy regulator, the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA), gave the Athens metro company STASY permission to install security cameras inside 17 new metro trains serving lines 2 (Anthoupolis-Elliniko) and 3 (Agia Marina-Doukissis Plakentias – Airport).

The privacy authority had previously allowed to install cameras only to platforms and not inside the trains, since the metro company had not fully justified the need for video surveillance on trains failing to demonstrate that the same goals could not be achieved by less intrusive means for passengers, such as security personnel patrols etc.

But STASY demonstrated later while submitting a new request that it was not possible to have security personnel along the entire length of the network.

It also presented arguments showing that although video monitoring and surveillance technology cannot avert all potential terrorist and other deliberate actions, they can be used to prevent any attacks against protected areas and would ensure a clear and constant image in cases of emergency or major incident of mass losses in regions of the network which are not easily accessible.

Moreover, it was noted that cameras could:

-provide protection to the drivers and to security staff patrolling trains
-allow the staff to monitor threats on the trains
-act as a deterrent against deliberate criminal or delinquent acts
-increase a sense of security among passengers