A Birmingham City fan said her ‘privacy had been violated’ after spotting a CCTV camera positioned above the women’s toilets as she used the facilities at an away ground. The supporter was horrified to see the fixed camera above cubicles at Swindon Town last night, Tuesday, January 14.
She had travelled to Wiltshire to watch Blues in the EFL Vertu Trophy at the County Ground. She later shared a picture of the camera, posting on X: “Sat on the toilet at Swindon away and notice a CCTV camera right above me.” The post was viewed around two million times.
League Two Swindon previously said the camera – located in the away section of the Arkell’s Stand – was fitted with a motion blur, meaning supporters using the toilets were not visible. The English Football League said clubs must have CCTV inside their stadiums to meet safety regulations.
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Swindon Town fan engagement officer Vicki Eyles, responded to the fan’s post, saying: “Sorry for the inconvenience, I am more than happy to contact you in more detail but please be assured this has been run past the EFL and there is digital blur for the toilets, it is for the use of the concourse.”
But the Blues fan told BirminghamLive: “At first I just thought ‘oh this is odd’ and then it sort of hit me that someone could be looking into the cubicle. It made me feel very exposed and, quite honestly, a little violated.
“I understand they want to be able to monitor what’s happening in the concourse, but having it over women’s toilets is not right. They claimed it was blurred so you can’t see what is happening in there, but to me that is not enough.
“Someone could easily remove the blur if they wanted to or what happens if it fails? It’s a violation of privacy.”
The issue with the camera was previously raised last season by another away fan in a Swindon v AFC Wimbledon game. In a new statement, Swindon said: “We are aware that following Birmingham’s visit to the County Ground on Tuesday, January 14, a visiting supporter raised concern over the location of one of our security cameras within the away end of the Arkell’s Stand.
“The camera is positioned to see the away kiosk, the segregation between home and away fans as well as the emergency exit staircase and concourse. The camera does not have a view into the toilets, as this is blocked by a digital privacy blur, fitted by security professionals who, along with the club, must adhere to safeguarding and privacy guidelines.
“The CCTV system is also operated by a Security Industry Authority-licensed security officer under the management of the safety officer and, at times, Wiltshire Police. Following our last report of concern surrounding the camera’s location during our fixture against AFC Wimbledon last season, we increased CCTV signage around all areas of the away end and across the stadium.
“The footage is used for the identification of individuals in the away section of the concourse in the event of an incident. It is shared with the police upon request. The CCTV footage is retained for 30 days. For further information refer to the club’s CCTV Policy which can be accessed on our website.
“However, while the club is confident the current arrangements comply fully with data protection legislation we will investigate the possibility of providing additional measures as soon as possible to allay fans concerns.”