Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Berlin Court Backs Cameras and ID Checks at Outdoor Pools

The decision gives the operator a short-term green light for ID checks with cameras pending any appeal.

Overview

  • Berlin’s administrative court upheld the public baths operator’s entrance cameras and ID checks as proportionate under data-protection law.
  • Judges called the privacy impact very small and pointed to fewer criminal incidents after the measures began.
  • The city’s data protection commissioner has not decided on an appeal, so the policy could still face further review.
  • The operator added these checks after fights, police callouts and temporary closures strained staff and disrupted normal pool use.
  • Commentators say cameras can deter misbehavior but do not fix deeper problems, and incidents rose again in some pools in 2025.