Consent for Sharing Photos and Videos

These days, it’s become common to take out a phone and capture or record nearly every moment, no matter what’s happening. Of course, it’s wonderful to have photos and videos to remember these times, but if you plan to share them on social media, make sure it’s okay with everyone in the photos or videos.

Think carefully before posting anything online. Are you ready for everyone to see it? Remember that once you upload information, photos, or any other material online, it may be impossible to fully delete it from the internet, and others could continue to share it.

What Should We Know About Getting Consent to Share Photos or Videos?
If you take a photo or video with someone, ask for their permission before sharing it. It’s simple! If your friend or anyone in the picture says they don’t want their photo publicly shared on social media, respect their choice.

If you’ve already posted something and someone asks you to take it down, respect their request! By honoring your friends’ choices, you encourage them to respect yours in return.

Don’t Share Anything That Could Cause Embarrassment
If someone sends you a photo or video that you know could be embarrassing for the person in it, don’t publish or forward it to others.

Break the chain and tell the person who initially sent it to you to stop sharing it. This is especially important if the shared image is personal or contains sensitive information. If you know the person shown in the shared material, reach out to them, let them know, and make sure they’re okay, offering your support.

Not Everything Needs to Be Captured
Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes—what might seem funny to you may not be amusing to them. Avoid capturing or sharing anything that could hurt someone’s feelings, embarrass them, or harm their reputation.