Linz court ruling may make Salzburg tourism webcams unlawful

Hundreds of tourism webcams in the Austrian state of Salzburg may be operating unlawfully after a ruling by the Linz Higher Regional Court in Upper Austria, ORF reported. The automated cameras, operated by tourism associations, often promote the region’s natural attractions.

The court ruled in favour of a local resident who objected to private property being visible in the camera’s field of view. Her house in the Mühlviertel region of Upper Austria was visible around the clock through a tourism association’s advertising camera, although it had been pixelated. The court said the situation was unreasonable for the homeowner.

Tourism professionals estimate that between 250 and 300 such webcams are installed in Salzburg. The Salzburg Tourism Company said in response to an ORF inquiry that it regularly receives complaints or reports, but has so far reached an amicable solution in every case.

The cameras were either repositioned, given a different viewing angle or moved to another location, the company said. No legal proceedings have so far been brought against Salzburg webcams, and the Linz ruling is the first known case of its kind, according to the company.