CCTV monitoring website Internet Eyes has been forced to make changes to its privacy procedures following a footage leak.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) ordered the site to make the changes when it discovered that video footage had been posted on YouTube. 

A following ICO investigation discovered Internet Eyes did not ensure the transfer of CCTV images it was streaming to viewers was encrypted.

“CCTV footage should not end up on YouTube when it shows someone simply out doing their shopping,” said ICO deputy commissioner David Smith. “A person’s CCTV image is their personal data. The law says that it should only be disclosed where necessary, such as for the purposes of crime detection, and not merely for entertainment.”

The system, which was launched in October last year, allows members of the public who register to view CCTV footage of stores and report any crimes that take place for rewards of up to £1,000.