The new legislation on the protection of personal data will officially come into force in Ticino on 1 July 2026. public video surveillance, a legislative framework intended to redefine the procedures, limits, and responsibilities for the use of cameras on public land and administrative property. The decision was formalized by the Council of State, following the cantonal law adopted by the Grand Council on June 12, 2025.

A more defined regulatory framework

The new law on public video surveillance (LViSo) aims to more precisely regulate the use of surveillance tools, reconciling security needs with the protection of fundamental rights. Specifically, the legislation establishes that the use of cameras on public property must be limited to purposes such as security, maintaining public order, and logistics management.

A key element concerns the distinction between different forms of surveillance: the use of systems considered invasive, such as those involving real-time monitoring, will not be permitted on public land. The law instead allows systems with a predominantly dissuasive function, based on the recording of images without constant control..

Differences from the Police Act

Il new regulatory system It differs from the provisions of the Police Act, which allows for a more flexible and effective use of video surveillance in specific contexts and for immediate operational needs.

In the case of public video surveillance, the approach adopted is long-term and territorial, with stricter limits and a clearly defined scope of application. This clearly distinguishes tools intended for general prevention from those used for direct law enforcement intervention.

Subjects involved and obligations

The law will apply to a wide range of public and parastatal entities: in addition to the Canton, it includes municipalities, patriciates, public corporations, and institutions linked to recognized churches. Parastatal and private entities entrusted with public law tasks are also affected.

Among the key obligations is the need to clearly identify installed video surveillance systems. Furthermore, data controllers must comply with fundamental legal principles, such as proportionality and purpose, avoiding excessive or unjustified use of surveillance technologies.

Implementation autonomy and management margins

While introducing a unified regulatory framework, the law leaves a certain degree of autonomy to the entities responsible for implementing it. System owners will define relevant operational aspects, including:

  • the specific purposes of surveillance;
  • how to use the cameras;
  • the type of tools adopted;
  • access rights to recordings;
  • the duration of image retention;
  • the places subject to monitoring.

This approach aims to ensure flexibility, allowing solutions to be adapted to different local realities, while respecting the principles established at the cantonal level.

The role of data protection

Operational support will be provided by the Cantonal Data Protection Commissioner, who has made a template available online. This tool is designed to facilitate the development of implementing provisions by data subjects, providing a common basis for implementing the law.

Towards a balance between security and rights

The entry into force of the law on public video surveillance marks a significant step forward in the management of public spaces in Ticino. The legislator has chosen an approach that aims to strengthen security without sacrificing specific guarantees for the protection of privacy.

The result is a regulated system that seeks to respond to contemporary needs for control and prevention, while keeping respect for individual rights at its core.