Questions have been raised over a potential misuse of data and lack of transparency.
An inner-city council in Melbourne has come under fire for using CCTV at a reserve to ensure users comply with the rule of keeping dogs on leads.
City of Port Phillip has outraged residents by installing the camera at Hewison Reserve, with many asking questions about the use of the data, including if it will be mined to issue fines.
Currently, there is a $204 penalty for having an off-leash dog at the park.
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A sign underneath the camera states: "Dog watch: Roving CCTV is currently operating in this area to monitor whether local dog restrictions are being followed."
On Thursday, digital privacy expert Suelette Dreyfus appeared on Sunrise.
"It's an interesting debate, right. So, when you actually collect CCTV, or other personal information, you have to take into account, have you communicated the purpose?" Dreyfus, an academic at the University of Melbourne, said.
"Are you telling people whose data you're collecting, and that you're collecting it in a way that they understand? Have you told them where you're going to potentially disclose it?
"Are you giving it to the Victoria Police or some other agencies? Are you saying how long you will keep it for? When will you delete it, and will that be done securely? Those are really important questions."
Dreyfus explained the council's best option could sometimes be the simplest, which is just a small sign to inform the park users of the rules.
Dreyfus said: "Sometimes putting up a big sign explaining the rules in detail deters the few bad apples who don't want to obey the rules."
Dreyfus said she was concerned about privacy.
"I think there's a standard view that says 'we'll just put up a sign to say you're being filmed' and that's enough. But I think in terms of privacy, it's not enough.
"You need to be able to say, 'we're only keeping the data for three months and only about those who break the law'. People go to a park and even though it's a public space they want a kind of privacy, which is anonymity.
"You're sneaking off with your boyfriend. Your parents don't know. You expect it to be private."
Dreyfus added the public should always be informed about how long data is being kept and to whom it will be shared, particularly as surveillance technology becomes more widespread.
Dreyfus continued: "(People) want to know there's not some CCTV camera recording them there. So being able to say 'we're only interested in people who are breaking the law ... with their dogs off lead', there are good reasons for that.
"At the same time, you want everyone to know we aren't a security state. We aren't running cameras around every corner."