My neighbour’s camera points at my garden — is that allowed?

Your neighbour may protect their property; they may not surveil yours. A camera capturing your garden, terrace, windows or front door processes your personal data with no valid legal basis — the household exemption died at their property line (Ryneš, C-212/13). Step 1 — talk: most cases are ignorance, not malice. Modern cameras can mask zones in software; ask them to black out your side. Follow up in writing (a dated message) so a record exists. Step 2 — use your GDPR rights against them: request access to what the camera captures of you (Art. 15) and erasure (Art. 17), and object to the processing (Art. 21). Put a two-week deadline on it. Step 3 — escalate: complain (free) to your data protection authority — neighbour-camera disputes are among the most common complaints DPAs receive and they do order re-aiming and removal. In parallel or instead, civil courts across Europe order cameras removed for infringing privacy/personality rights, especially when windows are in view. Evidence helps: photos of the camera’s position and angle, dates, your written requests, their replies. Dummy cameras count too in several countries — the sense of being watched at home is itself the harm courts weigh. Escalating conflict or harassment by camera? That can cross into criminal territory — involve the police, not just the DPA.