The German authority publishes the results of the 3rd interim DSK conference on video surveillance and smart glasses
The Conference of Independent Data Protection Supervisory Authorities of the Federation and the Länder (DSK) adopted, during its conference on September 23, 2026, a guidance on video surveillance in gyms, took a position on smart glasses, and adopted a resolution concerning security laws.
The DSK adopted a guidance on video surveillance in gyms to establish uniform assessment criteria for operators. This document, which addresses different areas such as the entrance or training zones and possible purposes of surveillance, responds to an increase in complaints related to the multiplication of unmanned facilities. A public consultation will be launched to collect feedback for possible adaptations of the guidance.
The DSK also discussed smart glasses, approving the test report of the Hamburg commissioner. It recalls that the wearer of these devices is responsible for the processing and that the risk of covert recordings is high, with a light indicator deemed insufficient to inform the data subjects. The GDPR applies outside the domestic exception, and informed consent requires complete prior information, including the contact details of the controller and the purposes. The training of artificial intelligences with third-party data or facial recognition in public spaces generally lacks a legal basis. The DSK calls on manufacturers to integrate data protection by design and on legislators to address this issue.
The DSK adopted a resolution entitled "Protecting freedom – appropriately designing security laws." It expresses concern about preserving the balance between security and freedom, threatened by federal and Länder bills aiming to extend the intervention powers of police and intelligence services. Highlighting that these measures could affect any citizen without cause, the DSK calls on legislators to reconsider these bills and reevaluate existing laws.
Finally, the DSK decided to continue the activities of its dialogue group, created in 2024 to promote exchanges with nationally significant organizations on data protection-related topics.
The DSK adopted a guidance on video surveillance in gyms to establish uniform assessment criteria for operators. This document, which addresses different areas such as the entrance or training zones and possible purposes of surveillance, responds to an increase in complaints related to the multiplication of unmanned facilities. A public consultation will be launched to collect feedback for possible adaptations of the guidance.
The DSK also discussed smart glasses, approving the test report of the Hamburg commissioner. It recalls that the wearer of these devices is responsible for the processing and that the risk of covert recordings is high, with a light indicator deemed insufficient to inform the data subjects. The GDPR applies outside the domestic exception, and informed consent requires complete prior information, including the contact details of the controller and the purposes. The training of artificial intelligences with third-party data or facial recognition in public spaces generally lacks a legal basis. The DSK calls on manufacturers to integrate data protection by design and on legislators to address this issue.
The DSK adopted a resolution entitled "Protecting freedom – appropriately designing security laws." It expresses concern about preserving the balance between security and freedom, threatened by federal and Länder bills aiming to extend the intervention powers of police and intelligence services. Highlighting that these measures could affect any citizen without cause, the DSK calls on legislators to reconsider these bills and reevaluate existing laws.
Finally, the DSK decided to continue the activities of its dialogue group, created in 2024 to promote exchanges with nationally significant organizations on data protection-related topics.
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