Tesla's Sentinel Mode violates Belgian privacy law, minister says
Belgium's Digital Minister Vanessa Matz stated on 24 September 2025 that Tesla's Sentinel Mode, which records video from parked vehicles' exterior cameras, violates Belgian law by filming public space without legitimate justification. The minister said the 2007 Belgian camera law explicitly forbids private individuals from recording public space, and that approximately 21,000 Tesla vehicles in Belgium are affected.
What happened
Tesla's Sentinel Mode continuously records video from parked vehicles' exterior cameras. Under Belgian law, this filming of public space by private individuals violates the 2007 camera law, according to Digital Minister Vanessa Matz on 24 September 2025.
Reported impact
Approximately 21,000 Tesla vehicles registered in Belgium are subject to the violation.
Index analysis
European case law states that surveillance cameras used by private individuals may only be tolerated if they serve a legitimate interest under strict conditions of necessity and proportionality. The Belgian Data Protection Authority (APD) has already received complaints on this issue.
Governance controls
Belgian law explicitly forbids private individuals from filming public space, and any images collected can only legally be transmitted to law enforcement and prosecutors. The Digital Minister consulted with the Interior Minister to determine next steps.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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