CCTV footage from a private property shows a member of the public committing an act of vandalism. A reporter requests a copy of the footage. Under BC PIPA, how should the security guard or organization respond?

Question: CCTV footage from a private property shows a member of the public committing an act of vandalism. A reporter requests a copy of the footage. Under BC PIPA, how should the security guard or organization respond?

Answer options:

• Provide the footage immediately, as it shows illegal activity.
• Refuse the request, as sharing the footage would be a disclosure of personal information about the individual who committed the act.
• Provide a redacted version of the footage, blurring the individual's face. ✅ Only provide the footage if requested by the police in writing.

Correct answer: Only provide the footage if requested by the police in writing.

Explanation: Under PIPA, section 18, an organization may disclose personal information without consent if the disclosure is to a public body or a law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes. Sharing with a reporter would typically require consent or a specific legal authority not present here.