Can we publish your photo on the internet without your permission?

SMS Conversation

- You looked worried this morning at college...

- it could get better... (sad emoticon) Some compromising photos of me are turning on the web...

- Where did they come from?

- Students took them from college and published them...

They didn't have the right! (Angry smiley)

- I'm sorry, but they didn't have to ask for your permission...

Received Idea

“My picture can be published on the internet without my permission.”

>> FALSE

Expert Response

It's a common misconception!

A person can only post a photo of you on the internet if you give your consent.

The right to an image allows any person to oppose the dissemination of an image on which he is recognizable, even if it was taken in a public place such as a university.

This concerns all media: a website, but also a blog, a social network...

However, there are exceptions related to the right to information, freedom of expression and artistic and cultural freedom.

For example, your consent is not required to post a photo of a public demonstration if you do not appear there in isolation.

What if your image was published without your consent?

First, ask the author of the photo to remove it.

If they refuse, you can contact the website or social network, as appropriate, to ask them to unpublish your photo.

You can also file a complaint with the police station or the gendarmerie.

A procedure with the judge is also possible to obtain the urgent removal of the image.

Key Points

- Before posting a photo of you on the internet, the person must make sure of your agreement.

- There are exceptions to the right to the image related to the right to information.

- In case of dispute, you can file a complaint.

- In case of urgency, you can apply to the judge for interim relief to request a quick removal of the image.