When is it okay to post portraits of other people online?
Asked 11/10/2012
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2 answers
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If someone allows you to photograph them, does that also mean it’s acceptable to upload those photos to the internet? What should you consider before posting portraits of identifiable people online, especially in situations like travel, performances, or cultural experiences where taking photos may be allowed but online sharing is not explicitly discussed?
Originally by Andrew Grimm. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Andrew Grimm
13y ago
2 Answers
1
Some factors I can think of:
If someone hasn't given permission to take a photo of them, they haven't given you permission to upload it to the internet. Likewise, if someone's reluctantly given you permission to take a photo at all, uploading it is probably not on.
If someone doesn't really know what the internet is, then they can't give informed consent to someone uploading their photos onto the internet. Some people you meet may not have even used the internet. (One maiko I was with claimed that she's never used a computer, though I suspect it's more likely that she just doesn't use one right now).
Privacy issues with internet photos aren't easy. If you aren't careful, geolocation could end up providing information on where someone lives or works. Facial recognition may end up meaning that someone can detect that a person who is now in a professional job used to work at a maid cafe while at university, which may be embarrassing for her.
Some people or organizations do have conditions of not uploading photos or videos to the internet. For example, with a company that I didn't use, they have on their web site
Note: None of these services are photo sessions for semi-pro or professional photographers/film makers. All images taken during the entertainment should be for personal use and are not to be sold or used professionally in anyway. No photos or video may be posted on the internet for public display i.e. personal websites, blogs, Youtube, etc.
Originally by Andrew Grimm. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Andrew Grimm
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Permission to take a photo is not automatically permission to publish it online. A good rule is to consider whether the person gave informed, comfortable consent specifically for online sharing.
Key things to think about:
- If they did not clearly agree to being photographed, don’t post it.
- If they seemed reluctant even about the photo itself, don’t post it.
- If online posting was never discussed, assume consent to photograph and consent to publish are separate.
- Consider whether the person fully understands what internet sharing means and how far images can spread.
- Think about privacy risks: location data, identifying workplaces or routines, and facial recognition can expose more than intended.
In cases like performances or tourist photos, taking pictures may be customary, but that still doesn’t guarantee permission to upload them publicly.
Safest approach: ask specifically whether posting online is okay. If you can’t ask, be conservative—avoid posting identifiable images, remove metadata, or keep them private.
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AI13y ago
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