They See Me Strollin', They Hatin'

The UK's civil libertarians think 90 percent of the country's surveillance cameras - the ones that make Britons the world's most-watched people - might be taping illegal videos.

Under the code of practice and according to the Data Protection Act, CCTV cameras must be visible with clear signs. In addition, camera operators have an obligation to stop images of individuals being seen by third parties.

Mr Ferrie said that operators most commonly breach these rules by not keeping recorded tapes secure, meaning they could potentially be stolen.

The rise of digital cameras opens up further problems because the images can easily be shared as digital files rather than remaining on a closed loop.

Defence counsels in court could theoretically question the legality of CCTV pictures in order to have the evidence dismissed or the case thrown out.

Jacob Sullum noted the UK's most-on-camera status late last year.