Morocco's Court of Cassation, the country's highest judicial body, issued a landmark ruling on June 10, 2026, affirming the right of citizens to install surveillance cameras on their private property to protect their belongings. The decision, reported by Moroccan media including Le Matin and Hespress, clarifies the legal framework around private video surveillance, emphasizing that such installations are lawful as long as they do not infringe on neighbors' privacy or public spaces.
The case originated from a dispute in Casablanca where a homeowner had installed cameras facing their entrance and driveway. A neighbor complained, citing privacy concerns. Lower courts had conflicting interpretations, prompting the appeal to the Court of Cassation. The high court ruled that the right to protect one's property under Moroccan law includes the use of cameras, provided they are not directed at areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as windows or gardens of adjacent homes.
Legal experts cited by the newspaper Al Ahdath Al Maghribia noted that the ruling sets a precedent for similar cases across the kingdom. The court stressed that the principle of proportionality must be respected: cameras should only cover the owner's property and not record public thoroughfares or neighbors' private spaces without consent. Violations could lead to legal liability under Morocco's Law 09-08 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data.
The decision aligns with broader trends in data protection and privacy rights in Morocco, following the establishment of the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP) in 2009. The CNDP has previously issued guidelines on video surveillance, recommending clear signage and limited retention of footage. The Court of Cassation's ruling reinforces that citizens have a legitimate interest in security but must balance it with the privacy rights of others.
This ruling is expected to encourage more homeowners to install security systems, while also prompting clearer regulations on camera placement and data handling. Legal professionals advise consulting with neighbors and local authorities before installation to avoid disputes. The Court of Cassation's decision is final and binding on all lower courts in Morocco.
