Article By: Messan Mawugbe (PhD)
Undoubtedly, every technological deployment should be anchored in human ethics,
respect for national interest, public safety, security, individual rights, and privacy.
Laws governing the use and management of technology are often misconstrued by
the public as instruments of governmental or institutional control. However, this is
far from the case.
Video surveillance registration and compliance frameworks are, in fact, guidelines
designed to ensure order and accountability in the deployment and use of
surveillance systems. They aim to prevent national data breaches, curb the abuse of
public spaces, protect citizens’ rights, and safeguard surveillance data.
As Lt. Col. Bediani Belei, President of Togo’s Data Protection Agency (IPDCP),
emphasized during the launch of the new video surveillance guidelines in Lomé, the
benefits of video surveillance systems can only be fully realized when they are
“deployed in strict compliance with the law.”
Balancing Public Interest, Personal Rights, and Safety
Video surveillance laws and guidelines should be viewed positively within the
context of national, public, and citizen interests. These frameworks are designed not
only to enhance individual and property security but also to prevent the misuse of
surveillance technologies in public spaces.
In the era of social media, video content can be unlawfully shared with the intent of
damaging the reputations of individuals, institutions, and even entire nations. A
country’s image is a critical public asset—one that influences international diplomacy
Lt.Col. Bediani Belei – president
of Togo’s Data Protection
Agency (IPDCP)
and relations. This underscores the importance of maintaining a careful balance
between technological use and the protection of both public and private interests.
Additionally, attention must be given to how narratives are constructed around
surveillance footage. Video narratives can sometimes inflict greater harm than the
footage itself, especially when misinterpreted or deliberately manipulated.
It is therefore imperative for citizens to appreciate this new video surveillance law
and its compliance requirements as a constructive national initiative. The framework
seeks to ensure proportionality and limitation in surveillance deployment,
strengthen data security measures, uphold rights in workplaces and public spaces,
and prevent illegal surveillance practices, abuse of power, and data protection
violations.
In essence, video surveillance laws and guidelines contribute significantly to order,
accountability, and the protection of both public and individual interests across all
facets of society.
About the Author
Messan Mawugbe (PhD)
Email: mawugbe@ibnareports.org
Credit Note: This article draws insights from an R.E.D publication in Togo First
(March 30, 2026).