Civil liberties groups outraged by commercial use of CCTV

'Internet Eyes' web site encourages the public to spy on one another for profit

Internet Eyes allows users to view CCTV footage online

A new web site called Internet Eyes, which allows subscribers to watch real, live CCTV footage for a fee, has prompted several pressure groups to file a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) arguing that the site infringes UK civil liberties.

Anti-CCTV group No CCTV and human rights group Privacy International have issued a joint complaint to the ICO stating their belief that Internet Eyes breaches the Data Protection Act.

An ICO spokesperson said: "Our CCTV code of practice makes it clear that CCTV operators should use appropriately trained staff to monitor images.

"We have provided advice to Internet Eyes regarding its own data protection compliance. We will be checking to ensure it has followed this and will investigate any complaints we receive."

In an article published on its web site, No CCTV cites the failed US Texas Border Watch Program as a similar example of a site that it believes infringed civil liberties. The site cost $2m (£1.3m) and was set up to stop border infringements, but proved ineffective.

The article stated: "Much like those of the failed US citizen spy system, Internet Eyes viewers will be watching nothing much going on, in this case in shops – just people going about their daily business: buying a pint of milk, standing in a queue or choosing a chocolate bar."

Internet Eyes was unavailable for comment today.