How it works
A privacy mask obscures a selected area or subject in a surveillance image. It can be static, covering a fixed region, or dynamic in a compatible system. The key technical question is where masking occurs: in the camera’s output, a viewer, a recording process or only an exported copy.
A practical example
A camera overlooking an entrance might also include a neighbouring window. A correctly configured mask can hide that region in the relevant output. A black rectangle shown in one viewing app does not by itself prove that another stream or previously stored footage is masked too.
What to check
Read the product documentation and test live view, stored playback and export separately. Check whether all relevant streams apply the mask, and repeat the test after moving or zooming the camera. Restrict who can disable or modify the setting. Keep the intended recording area and masked boundaries clear in the installation record.
Limits and safe use
Masking does not erase older unmasked recordings automatically or stop audio capture. It can also obscure useful evidence if positioned poorly. Technical masking supports a privacy design but does not determine whether recording is lawful. Access, purpose, retention and neighbouring areas still require a separate assessment based on the actual installation.