Deutsche Bahn to equip all staff with body cameras after conductor assault

A conductor's attack sparks a nationwide rollout—but will cameras protect workers or turn trains into zones of constant monitoring? Critics push for stricter controls.

, and Administrator

2026 February 14 . 7:05 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people wearing masks and holding a banner that reads "Unsere... — The image shows a group of people wearing masks and holding a banner that reads "Unsere Erinnerungen sind keine Baustellen" in front of a building. There is a person holding a bicycle and another person holding an umbrella, as well as boards with text. In the background, there are buildings with windows, a crane, and a sky with clouds. This image is likely related to the German government's decision to ban the use of masks in Germany.

Deutsche Bahn to equip all staff with body cameras after conductor assault

Deutsche Bahn is set to expand the use of body cameras for all customer-facing staff by the end of the year. The move follows a recent assault on a train conductor in Rhineland-Palatinate. Concerns have since grown over balancing employee safety with public privacy.

The company's decision comes after an attack on a conductor raised alarms about staff protection. Plans now include equipping rail workers nationwide with body cameras. However, privacy campaigners argue that unrestricted recording could infringe on fundamental rights.

Data protection advocates warn that continuous filming risks capturing law-abiding individuals without cause. They propose strict controls, such as manual activation only during incidents and clear announcements when recording starts. Footage should also be limited to what is strictly necessary, avoiding unnecessary retention.

Critics highlight the risk of repurposed recordings leading to unjustified scrutiny of bystanders. Without clear safeguards, widespread camera use could create near-total surveillance in public spaces. The debate centres on whether the measures will achieve the right balance between security and privacy.

Deutsche Bahn's rollout aims to improve staff safety by the year's end. Yet, the lack of specific state-level regulations leaves questions about consistent standards. How the cameras are used—and how data is managed—will determine their impact on both employees and the public.