The National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia (NHRCM), working in cooperation with the National Police Agency, has completed a nationwide inspection targeting the unlawful use of surveillance cameras in locations where individuals are entitled to privacy, resulting in the removal of hundreds of illegally installed cameras and the issuance of substantial fines.

The inspection was carried out under Section 27.8 of the Law on Personal Data Protection, which authorizes the Commission to monitor whether audio, video, and audiovisual recording systems are being used lawfully within specific activities and to conduct joint inspections with the police.

The investigation focused on reports that some public service providers had installed surveillance cameras in rooms and spaces considered part of customers' private areas, where recording is prohibited under the law.

A total of 740 police officers (counted cumulatively) participated in the inspection, which covered 4,148 individuals, businesses, and organizations across the country. As a result, authorities identified 127 organizations that had installed surveillance cameras in prohibited locations. A total of 286 cameras were ordered removed, and all 127 organizations received official notices requiring them to prevent similar violations in the future.

In addition, 352 individuals and legal entities were instructed to remedy other violations related to the use of surveillance systems, with authorities confirming that the required corrective measures had been implemented.

The inspection covered a broad range of establishments, including 2,458 businesses serving alcoholic beverages, 1,156 facilities such as beauty salons, wellness and relaxation centers, saunas, and hotels, and 534 organizations, including student dormitories and other institutions. Authorities also imposed administrative penalties on organizations and individuals that failed to comply with legal requirements.

A total of 210 individuals and legal entities that failed to correct violations within the prescribed deadline were fined a combined 210 million  MNT.

Additionally, 12 individuals and legal entities were fined a total of 60 million MNT for illegally taking photographs or making audio, video, or audiovisual recordings without authorization. Overall, the inspection resulted in 270 million MNT in administrative fines.

NHRCM expressed its appreciation to the National Police Agency for its effective cooperation in enforcing the Law on Personal Data Protection, noting that the joint operation led to the removal of 286 surveillance cameras from prohibited locations and contributed to strengthening the protection of citizens' privacy rights.