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Aquarius Creative is one of the leading services for mass face redaction in CCTV footage, providing fast, secure, and UK GDPR-compliant masking PII in surveillance footage for SAR/DSAR video requests (Data Subject Access Requests).
Aquarius Creative is one of the leading services for mass face redaction in CCTV footage, providing fast, secure, and UK GDPR-compliant masking PII in surveillance footage for SAR/DSAR video requests (Data Subject Access Requests).
Your footage made safe for distribution with forensic process and peer review.
Blur faces and personally identifiable information (PII), distinguishing features, mask car number plates, censor screens, written notes, documents and security systems on CCTV, BWV (Body Worn Video from systems such as Reveal media, Axis, Axon, i-pro & Motorola), in car dashcam and mobile phone video footage.
Protecting your staff, customers and personal information.
Explore our guide on what to do when you receive a Data Subject Access Request (SAR/DSAR) in the UK.
CCTV Redaction Price Guide
CCTV Redaction Price Guide
There are two levels of CCTV video masking and redaction services on offer, with increasing enhanced security features, benefits and a transparent pricing structure for your convenience. All prices subject to VAT.
1. Secure Remote
1. Secure Remote
Footage is uploaded, manually processed remotely, and securely destroyed once complete.
From £4.50 per minute of footage
2. Collect and Return
2. Collect and Return
Footage collected in person, manually processed remotely and returned in person.
From £4.50 per minute of footage, 45p per mile from NG32
Aquarius CCTV Redaction Service Benefits
Aquarius CCTV Redaction Service Benefits
Fully manual redaction – no missed faces.
No monthly subscription, or associated online data breach risks.
Ideal for SARs, DSARs, councils, schools, and private security.
UK-based, GDPR compliant, trusted, and secure.
Video Redaction & Masking for Your Sector
Video Redaction & Masking for Your Sector
Manual vs AI Redaction Service
Manual vs AI Redaction Service
Unlike AI-based redaction tools that charge more per minute unless you subscribe, we offer a starting rate of just £4.50/min with no contract or subscription required.
Each frame is manually reviewed to ensure nothing is missed. Essential for schools, councils, NHS trusts, and private security firms handling sensitive or legally-requested footage.
We specialise in SAR redaction, where accuracy and privacy compliance are non-negotiable.
SAR, DSAR, GDPR, Data Protection Resources
SAR, DSAR, GDPR, Data Protection Resources
Video Redaction FAQs
Video Redaction FAQs
How much does video redaction cost?
How much does video redaction cost?
Our CCTV and bodycam redaction service starts at just £4.50 per minute of footage, with no subscription or monthly fee.
Long clips can be cut down so you only pay for what you need. Perfect for one-off SARs or ad hoc requests.
How does this compare to automated services?
How does this compare to automated services?
Automated redaction platforms often charge £6.50 per minute unless you subscribe monthly.
Our £4.50 starting rate includes full manual review and editing. No machine errors, no hidden fees.
Is this service GDPR compliant?
Is this service GDPR compliant?
Yes. All footage is handled securely and edited by humans, ensuring full compliance with UK GDPR and ICO guidelines for Subject Access Requests.
What are the different types of masking, obscuring and redaction?
What are the different types of masking, obscuring and redaction?
Blurring - a subtle smooth defocussed patch over sensitive data areas
Pixellating - patches containing small dynamic blocks that suggest movement without revealing details, breaking up the censored part of the image
Blanking - solid black, white or coloured patch completely covering any details underneath
Is my video footage and data protected once I send it?
Is my video footage and data protected once I send it?
From start to finish you can be assured that we will keep your footage safe, using only vetted personnel and carriers. We do not keep any footage, and when each job is finished, the drives used are electronically ‘shredded’ for your peace of mind.
Why is CCTV masking and redaction important?
Why is CCTV masking and redaction important?
Protection of Subject Data is a requirement of the data protection legislation in the UK, As a data controller, you have a legal responsibility to ensure you comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when disclosing surveillance footage or still image of individuals.
Compliance is particularly important when responding to subject access requests (SARs), as a minimum requirement you must protect the identity of any other individuals shown in the image, this can be achieved by blurring/pixelation of facial features and locations using video/image redaction.
Further information and how to respond to requests can be found on the ICO website
Why do I need to redact or mask video CCTV footage prior to sharing?
Why do I need to redact or mask video CCTV footage prior to sharing?
Protection of Subject Data is a requirement of the data protection legislation in the UK, As a data controller, you have a legal responsibility to ensure you comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when disclosing surveillance footage or still image of individuals.
Compliance is particularly important when responding to subject access requests (SARs), as a minimum requirement you must protect the identity of any other individuals shown in the image, this can be achieved by blurring/pixelation of facial features and locations using video/image redaction.
Further information and how to respond to requests can be found on the ICO website
Do I still need to redact video and CCTV clips after Brexit?
Do I still need to redact video and CCTV clips after Brexit?
Yes. The EU – GDPR (European Union – General Data Protection Regulations) were introduced in May 2018 across all countries inside the European Union. Despite our transition outside of the European Economic Area on 31st of December 2020, the GDPR is here to stay and will continue to be in effect for the foreseeable furture.
The GDPR was brought into law in the UK on 31st of December 2020 as the ‘UK GDPR’, however there may be further developments about how we deal with particular issues such as UK-EU data transfers. It was announced that there will be little change to the core data protection principles, rights and obligations found in the GDPR.
To put it quite simply, if you operate inside the UK, you will need to continue to comply with UK data protection laws & regulations.
Data Protection and CCTV Masking and Redaction Basics
Data Protection and CCTV Masking and Redaction Basics
Enhancing Privacy through Video Redaction and Masking of Sensitive Data: A Must for Diverse Sectors
Enhancing Privacy through Video Redaction and Masking of Sensitive Data: A Must for Diverse Sectors
Use of CCTV security footage is widespread across various sectors, including policing, retail, healthcare, education, and public transport. While these recordings are invaluable for enhancing security and improving operations, they can also pose significant risks regarding personal data protection. To strike a balance between utilising this footage and safeguarding individual privacy, our video redaction and masking services have emerged as essential tools for organisations that must handle sensitive information responsibly.
The Importance of Video Redaction
The Importance of Video Redaction
Video redaction is the process of editing CCTV or BWV footage to obscure or remove identifiable information or personal data before distribution or public sharing. This service is crucial for a variety of reasons. For instance, police often rely on video footage evidence to investigate crimes, but they must ensure that the images shared with the public or in court do not expose sensitive information about innocent bystanders. Similarly, retail businesses may use footage for loss prevention but need to redact images of customers who are not involved in any incident.
Healthcare facilities are mandated to protect patients' privacy under GDPR in Europe (and HIPAA in the U.S). As they capture footage for security or monitoring purposes, redacting the identities of patients and staff helps ensure compliance with these laws. Educational institutions, which also maintain CCTV systems for safety and supervision, must be equally vigilant in protecting the identities of students and staff members. Public transport hubs, monitoring passenger movements, face similar challenges; removing identifiable features is essential to maintaining public trust.
Meeting GDPR Requirements
Meeting GDPR Requirements
As organisations become increasingly aware of the need to handle personal data with care, understanding the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is crucial. GDPR has established strict guidelines for the processing and safeguarding of personal data throughout Europe, including the necessity to be mindful of how video footage containing identifiable individuals is used.
When an organisation receives a Subject Access Request (SAR) under GDPR, they have a duty to respond in a legally compliant manner. This entails reviewing any CCTV footage for identifiable information and applying appropriate redaction techniques before releasing any material. Failure to do so can lead to significant legal ramifications, including heavy fines. Organisations must educate themselves on these obligations to avoid potential infractions.
The Path Forward
The Path Forward
Using our comprehensive video redaction and masking services is not just about compliance; it is about instilling confidence among stakeholders. Organisations that prioritise personal data protection demonstrate responsibility and respect for individual privacy, which can enhance public perception and trust.
Furthermore, by using our video redaction and masking service, you can focus on your core activities while maintaining the highest standard of privacy protection.
Surveillance is a common part of daily life, making our video redaction and masking services indispensable. We can empower organisations across various sectors to utilise CCTV footage effectively while adhering to GDPR and protecting individuals' rights. By implementing these services, organisations can foster a more secure environment, paving the way for safer and more accountable practices in managing personal data.
Police Video Redaction
Police Video Redaction
CCTV and BWV (Body Worn Video) footage redaction plays a crucial role for UK police forces in balancing transparency with legal and ethical obligations.
CCTV and BWV (Body Worn Video) footage redaction plays a crucial role for UK police forces in balancing transparency with legal and ethical obligations.
The Benefits of BWV are remarkable:
Captures first accounts on camera including emotions, the scene etc
Captures offences including assaults against officers making it easier to prosecute
Protects the officers against public complaints. Particularly handy with UoF allegations.
Like it or loathe it, the new standard seems to be 'if it wasn't recorded it didn't happen' with tales of magistrates throwing out court cases involving traffic matters because a single crewed officer didn't have their BWV.
Police often complain that they don’t release enough BWV footage to show the excellent arrests and foot-chases. All those times police help vulnerable people in crisis, attending RTC’s - showing the good and the bad. Those times people make malicious complaints? Describe the complaint, then show the bodycam.
So much BWV footage would just be easy wins for forces everywhere from a media point of view.
By obscuring identifiable features such as faces, vehicle number plates, or confidential documents, redaction helps comply with data protection laws like the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. This ensures that sensitive personal data is not unlawfully disclosed when footage is shared with the public, the media, or used in court proceedings.
For law enforcement, redacted footage can be safely released to support investigations or improve public trust without compromising the privacy of victims, bystanders, or undercover officers.
We can safely deal with footage from Most BWV systems including Axon Body 2, 3 & 4, Motorola VB400 & V700, i-Pro (formerly Panasonic), Reveal Media, and Axis Communications.
Security CCTV & BWV Redaction
Security CCTV & BWV Redaction
Video Redaction for Security Firms: GDPR-Compliant CCTV and Bodycam / BWV (Body Worn Video) Editing.
Video Redaction for Security Firms: GDPR-Compliant CCTV and Bodycam / BWV (Body Worn Video) Editing.
Aquarius CCTV and bodycam redaction service provides essential support to private security companies and CCTV surveillance system managers who need to handle video footage responsibly and in full compliance with data protection laws.
Why Security Companies Need Professional CCTV Redaction.
Why Security Companies Need Professional CCTV Redaction.
With the widespread use of surveillance in commercial, retail, and event environments, security teams regularly capture footage that may be required for investigations, insurance claims, or client reporting. However, sharing unedited footage risks exposing the identities of individuals not directly involved in an incident, creating potential legal liabilities under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Redaction offers a practical and legally compliant solution. By carefully obscuring faces, vehicle registration numbers, ID badges, and other identifying details, Aquarius redaction service ensures that video evidence can be securely shared with clients, law enforcement, or legal representatives without breaching the privacy rights of bystanders or staff. This is particularly important for mobile patrol teams using body-worn video cameras (BWV), where footage often includes members of the public in fast-moving or sensitive scenarios.
For CCTV controllers and system managers, our service provides peace of mind. Whether fulfilling a Subject Access Request (SAR), preparing footage for a court case, or conducting an internal review, redacted video allows you to fulfil your operational responsibilities without running afoul of data privacy regulations.
In a sector where trust, professionalism, and compliance are essential, Aquarius redaction expertise helps security providers deliver a transparent, high-quality service while minimising legal risk and protecting individual rights.
We can safely deal with footage from Most BWV systems including Axon Body 2, 3 & 4, Motorola VB400 & V700, i-Pro (formerly Panasonic), Reveal Media, and Axis Communications.
CCTV Controllers mass face redaction
CCTV Controllers mass face redaction
If you're a CCTV manager or supervisor responsible for handling surveillance footage, managing Subject Access Requests (SARs) can be time-consuming and legally sensitive.
If you're a CCTV manager or supervisor responsible for handling surveillance footage, managing Subject Access Requests (SARs) can be time-consuming and legally sensitive.
If you're dealing with requests from the public, internal investigations, or police support, our CCTV and bodycam redaction service helps you share footage quickly, securely, and in full compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. From just £4.50 per minute of footage, we offer an efficient and affordable solution that protects individual privacy and reduces your team's administrative burden.
Aquarius provides professional CCTV and body-worn video (BWV) redaction services for private security teams, CCTV operators, and system managers. Our specialists carefully obscure faces, vehicle registration numbers, ID badges, and other personal identifiers, allowing you to safely release footage as part of a SAR response or legal disclosure. Whether you operate fixed CCTV across a business estate or handle mobile security bodycam footage, our redaction service ensures compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice and helps you avoid costly legal risks.
If you're searching for a CCTV redaction service for subject access requests, or need to redact bodycam footage for GDPR compliance, we’re here to support you. You don’t need complex software or in-house training, just send us your video, and we’ll return fully redacted files ready for disclosure. Our transparent pricing and fast turnaround make us a trusted choice for CCTV supervisors managing SARs or regulatory demands.
Let us help you streamline your workload and maintain full legal compliance with our secure, cost-effective redaction service. Perfect for CCTV managers, system operators, and private security firms needing to respond to subject access requests and footage disclosures.
Insurance Claims Video Redaction
Insurance Claims Video Redaction
Video redaction in the insurance sector
Video redaction in the insurance sector
Insurance companies often require video footage to investigate claims and loss assessment; for example, accidents in parking lots, slip-and-fall incidents, or vehicle damage in shared spaces. However, when footage contains bystanders, passers-by, or other private individuals, releasing the unedited video can pose serious privacy and legal risks. That’s where redaction steps in: we can obscure faces, number plates, staff identities or unrelated people, while still preserving the core evidence needed for the claim.
Insurance companies often require video footage to investigate claims and loss assessment; for example, accidents in parking lots, slip-and-fall incidents, or vehicle damage in shared spaces. However, when footage contains bystanders, passers-by, or other private individuals, releasing the unedited video can pose serious privacy and legal risks. That’s where redaction steps in: we can obscure faces, number plates, staff identities or unrelated people, while still preserving the core evidence needed for the claim.
Our redaction process ensures that insurers receive footage that is safe to share, with enough visible detail to show liability, sequence of events, and context, yet compliant with GDPR and data protection rules. We manually mask or blur identities in a way that doesn’t diminish the evidential value of incidents captured on CCTV. This gives insurance adjusters, legal teams, or clients the clarity they need without exposing sensitive personal data.
By handling redaction for insurers, Aquarius Creative helps bridge the gap between visual evidence and privacy compliance. You don’t have to choose between sharing critical footage and protecting individuals’ rights, with professional redaction, you get both.
Local Authorities CCTV Redaction and Video Masking
Local Authorities CCTV Redaction and Video Masking
For local authorities / councils in the UK that manage their own CCTV systems - often in partnership with the police - video footage redaction is an essential tool for ensuring compliance with data protection regulations while maintaining public trust.
For local authorities / councils in the UK that manage their own CCTV systems - often in partnership with the police - video footage redaction is an essential tool for ensuring compliance with data protection regulations while maintaining public trust.
When local councils capture footage in public spaces, they are responsible for handling that data in line with the UK GDPR and the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. Redaction enables them to share video evidence with law enforcement, legal teams, subject access requests or other stakeholders without unlawfully exposing the identities of individuals not involved in an incident.
This is particularly important when footage is used for prosecutions, freedom of information requests, or community safety reviews. By blurring faces, number plates, and other identifying details, local authorities can help facilitate effective policing and public reassurance while upholding their legal duty to safeguard personal privacy. Redacted footage ensures transparency and cooperation with the police, without breaching the rights of innocent members of the public captured on camera.
Banking and Finance CCTV Redaction
Banking and Finance CCTV Redaction
Video redaction services for Banks, Building Societies, Insurance, cash storage and transit. Extra security required.
Video redaction services for Banks, Building Societies, Insurance, cash storage and transit. Extra security required.
Many subject access requests come from banks due to counting questions like cash bag deposits, counting facilities and cash in transit services. Aquarius can make the masking suitable for each request,
We have always managed to securely mask all identities and security procedures while still disclosing enough of the footage so you can see exactly what you need to.
It's all done manually and we really think about your footage. That’s something an algorithm just can’t do.
Shopping Centre, Retail and Supermarket CCTV Redaction
Shopping Centre, Retail and Supermarket CCTV Redaction
Retailers, Supermarkets and Shopping Centres have a lot of footfall and many premises. This leads to varied requests and many subject access requests (SARs) relating to CCTV in busy car parks giving rise to identifiable data such as number plates as well as faces on CCTV.
Retailers, Supermarkets and Shopping Centres have a lot of footfall and many premises. This leads to varied requests and many subject access requests (SARs) relating to CCTV in busy car parks giving rise to identifiable data such as number plates as well as faces on CCTV.
Medical emergencies in shops which can mean more careful masking to hide the identities of staff and members of the public who help whilst still leaving the footage clear enough to show healthcare professionals what happened. It can be beneficial to show the moments immediately preceding a fit or blackout to a doctor, as it can help them diagnose the reason.
People use CCTV subject access requests to see how their bag or mobile phone was stolen. We know the unmasked footage goes to the police, but the public want to see it for themselves, and we can help you to comply with data protection law whilst satisfying your customer, as easily as possible.
Travel Hubs, Public Transport Video Redaction
Travel Hubs, Public Transport Video Redaction
In the travel and transport sector - including airports, railway stations, and bus terminals - CCTV footage redaction is vital for maintaining both security and compliance with privacy laws.
In the travel and transport sector - including airports, railway stations, and bus terminals - CCTV footage redaction is vital for maintaining both security and compliance with privacy laws.
These environments are typically under constant surveillance to ensure passenger safety, prevent crime, and assist with incident investigations. However, because these systems routinely capture thousands of individuals daily, the organisations operating them must take care to protect personal data when sharing footage externally.
Redaction allows transport operators to provide necessary video evidence to law enforcement, insurers, or regulatory bodies without exposing the identities of uninvolved passengers or staff. Whether responding to a security incident at an airport, investigating anti-social behaviour on public transport, or addressing passenger complaints, redacted footage helps meet legal obligations under the UK GDPR and the Protection of Freedoms Act. It ensures that transparency and accountability do not come at the cost of individual privacy - supporting public confidence in the safety and integrity of the travel network.
Hospital CCTV Subject Access Request SAR
Hospital CCTV Subject Access Request SAR
In the healthcare sector, particularly within hospitals and NHS facilities, CCTV and body-worn camera footage redaction is essential for safeguarding patient confidentiality and complying with strict data protection laws.
In the healthcare sector, particularly within hospitals and NHS facilities, CCTV and body-worn camera footage redaction is essential for safeguarding patient confidentiality and complying with strict data protection laws.
Hospitals often use video surveillance to enhance staff safety, monitor high-risk areas, and investigate incidents of violence or theft. However, because this footage frequently captures patients, visitors, and staff in sensitive settings, any disclosure must be handled with extreme care.
Redaction allows healthcare providers to share footage - for example, with police, legal teams, or during internal reviews - while protecting the identities of patients and others not directly involved. This is crucial for compliance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and healthcare-specific confidentiality standards. By blurring faces, names, and other identifying features, hospitals can support transparency, resolve incidents effectively, and contribute to a safer environment without breaching patient trust or violating privacy rights.
School Surveillance CCTV Redaction
School Surveillance CCTV Redaction
CCTV video redaction is crucial for protecting the privacy of students, staff, and visitors in schools, colleges and universities
CCTV video redaction is crucial for protecting the privacy of students, staff, and visitors in schools, colleges and universities
Educational institutions often use surveillance systems to promote safety, deter bullying, and support safeguarding measures. However, when footage needs to be reviewed or shared—whether in response to incidents, disciplinary processes, or Subject Access Requests (SARs)—redaction ensures that only relevant individuals are identifiable, while others, especially minors, remain protected.
By obscuring faces, name badges, and other identifiable features, schools can comply with the UK GDPR and child safeguarding requirements, while maintaining transparency and fulfilling their legal obligations. To help schools navigate these responsibilities, we've created a dedicated guide for schools on handling CCTV-related Subject Access Requests
Casino CCTV Redaction
Casino CCTV Redaction
Casinos rely heavily on closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to maintain security, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect both customers and staff.
Casinos rely heavily on closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to maintain security, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect both customers and staff.
With hundreds or even thousands of cameras monitoring gaming floors, cash handling areas, entrances, and back-of-house operations, casinos generate vast volumes of surveillance footage. As privacy expectations and legal obligations increase, CCTV redaction has become an essential practice when this footage needs to be reviewed, shared, or disclosed.
CCTV redaction in casinos involves obscuring personally identifiable information (PII) captured on video, such as the faces of patrons, non-involved staff members, employee ID badges, or vehicle number plates / registration plates in car parks.
CCTV redaction in casinos involves obscuring personally identifiable information (PII) captured on video, such as the faces of patrons, non-involved staff members, employee ID badges, or vehicle number plates / registration plates in car parks.
In busy casino environments where crowds, fast movement, reflections, and changing lighting are constant, this process requires careful attention to detail. Manual, frame-by-frame redaction ensures that sensitive information is consistently protected while preserving the clarity and evidentiary value of the footage.
While AI and large language model–based video tools can assist with redaction workflows, they are not infallible. In complex, high-traffic settings like casino floors, automated systems may miss individuals, incorrectly mask the wrong subjects, or fail to account for unusual angles and obstructions. As a result, AI-redacted footage still requires thorough human review, correction, and often resubmission to meet legal and regulatory standards. This means the process is rarely as 'automatic' as it may initially appear.
For this reason, many casinos continue to rely on professional manual redaction services. Human-led review provides greater accuracy, contextual judgment, and accountability, reducing the risk of compliance issues or rejected disclosures. By choosing careful, manually reviewed CCTV redaction, casinos can better protect privacy, maintain regulatory confidence, and ensure that shared footage is fit for purpose in even the most demanding surveillance environments.
Aquarius Creative Reviews
Aquarius Creative Reviews
About The Author
About The Author
Peter – Founder, Aquarius Creative.UK-based specialist in CCTV redaction, SAR and DSAR video processing, supporting local authorities, security teams, transport operators, and insurers with GDPR-compliant workflows.
Peter, Founder of Aquarius Creative, is a UK-based video production and post-production specialist with over 20 years’ experience managing sensitive video content across corporate, public sector, and regulated environments.
Peter, Founder of Aquarius Creative, is a UK-based video production and post-production specialist with over 20 years’ experience managing sensitive video content across corporate, public sector, and regulated environments.
Peter works with organisations including local authorities, security providers, IT consultants, CCTV controllers, transport hubs, and insurance professionals who require secure, accurate CCTV redaction for SAR and DSAR requests under UK GDPR. His experience handling evidential and operational footage ensures that identifiable individuals, number plates, and protected information are properly obscured while preserving the integrity of the original recording.
With a strong focus on confidentiality, secure file transfer, and GDPR-compliant workflows, Peter provides reliable redaction services designed to support compliance teams, data protection officers, and operational managers. His approach combines technical precision with a clear understanding of legal responsibilities and sector-specific challenges.
Aquarius Creative's Amazing Clients
Aquarius Creative's Amazing Clients
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