Do They Have the Right to Use My Photo on Website?

Originally written by Chris Nickson, updated by the editorial team on 16th June 2026

Try our free Image and Photo Use Rights Checker (UK) : someone has used your photo (or your child's) on a website, social media or marketing and you are not sure what your rights are. Answer a few questions and we will explain the position and what to do. Ask a Question

Do They Have the Right to Use My Photo on Website?

Mr David Richards asks

I have a very small issue in the scheme of things, but your advice would be welcome.

Do I have the right to refuse the use of my personel picture on the companies Web Site?

Why your photo counts as personal data

Under UK data protection law, a photograph of you is personal data if someone could recognise you from it. The UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 protect this information in the same way they protect your name, address or date of birth.

This means any organisation wanting to put your photo on their website needs to follow data protection rules. They cannot upload an image of you just because they happen to have one.

The law applies regardless of who took the photograph or the circumstances. It makes no difference whether the image came from a professional shoot, a company event, your personnel file, or a casual snapshot at a work function. Once an organisation wants to publish it online, the same protections apply.

Organisations often rely on consent for using your photo, but other legal bases may apply depending on the context. These include legitimate interests, contractual necessity, or legal obligations. For many workplace and commercial uses, consent remains common because it provides clear evidence that you agreed.

It is also worth noting that copyright law operates separately from data protection. The photographer typically owns the copyright to an image, which can affect how it may be used and distributed regardless of consent or personal data considerations.

Image and Photo Use Rights Checker (UK)

Someone has used your photo (or your child's) on a website, social media or marketing and you are not sure what your rights are. Answer a few questions and we will explain the position and what to do.

Try our Image and Photo Use Rights Checker (UK) free, here on this site →

What counts as valid consent

Consent under UK data protection law has to meet specific standards. A vague agreement or a clause buried in a contract will not usually be enough.

For consent to be valid, it must be:

Freely given: you should not feel pressured or obligated to agree. Making consent a condition of employment or receiving a service will usually invalidate it.
Specific: you need to know exactly where and how the photo will be used. A general statement about marketing purposes is not enough.
Informed: the organisation must explain clearly what they plan to do with the image before you agree.
Unambiguous: there should be a clear action showing you agree, such as ticking a box or signing a form. Silence or pre-ticked boxes do not count.

You also have the right to withdraw consent at any time. If you change your mind, the organisation should remove your photo without penalising you or making the process difficult. They may need reasonable time to action this, but they cannot refuse or charge you for it.

Separate consent is needed for different purposes. Agreeing to have your photo in an internal staff directory does not mean you have agreed to appear on the company website or in promotional materials. Each distinct use requires its own permission.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

When organisations might use your photo without consent

Consent is a common basis for publishing photos on websites, but it is not the only one. In some situations, an organisation may rely on a different lawful basis under data protection law.

Legitimate interests is one alternative. An organisation might claim they have a genuine business reason for using the photo that does not override your rights. The critical factor is the balancing of the organisation's interests against your own rights and freedoms. The organisation would need to carry out this balancing test and be able to demonstrate their reasoning if challenged.

Public interest, journalistic, artistic, literary, or academic purposes may also apply in limited circumstances. News reporting, for example, can sometimes justify using photographs without consent where there is a genuine public interest in the story. Artistic projects or academic research may benefit from similar exemptions. These provisions do not give organisations a blanket right to use any photo they like, but they do create some exceptions.

Photos taken in genuinely public settings can be more complicated. Street photography or images of crowds at public events may not always require individual consent, depending on the context and how the photo is used. However, if an organisation then uses such an image to promote a product or service, your rights may still apply.

If an organisation claims they do not need your consent, they should be able to explain their lawful basis clearly. You can ask them to set this out in writing.

What to do if your photo is used without permission

If you find your photograph on a website and you did not agree to it being there, you have options.

Start by contacting the organisation directly. Put your request in writing, whether by email or letter, and keep a copy. Be specific about which image you mean, where it appears, and what you want them to do. State clearly that you are making a request under UK data protection law. Many cases are resolved at this stage without further action.

Under UK GDPR, you may have the right to request erasure of your personal data in certain circumstances, though this is not an absolute right. It may depend on conditions such as whether the data is still necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. If you never gave consent, or if you have withdrawn it, the organisation may need to remove the image depending on the circumstances. They should respond to your request within one month.

If the organisation refuses to remove your photo, or ignores your request, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. The ICO is the UK's data protection regulator and can investigate complaints about how organisations handle personal data. You can submit a complaint through their website at ico.org.uk.

Before the ICO will usually get involved, they expect you to have raised the matter with the organisation first and given them a chance to respond. Keep records of your correspondence in case you need to show what steps you took.

In more serious cases, or where you have suffered distress or financial loss, you may be able to claim compensation. This might require legal advice, and you should consider whether the matter justifies that step.

The ICO website has detailed guidance on your rights and how to make a complaint. GOV.UK also provides information on data protection rights for individuals.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Image and Photo Use Rights Checker (UK) lets you someone has used your photo (or your child's) on a website, social media or marketing and you are not sure what your rights are. Answer a few questions and we will explain the position and what to do. Try it now →

103 questions

Ask Your Privacy a Question

YourPrivacy Editor 17/05/2026 at 1:27 pm

@MrSmith Yes, you can withdraw your consent when you leave, and you should put it in writing. Since you were never paid as a model and it isn't in your contract, they've been relying on your informal okay, which you're entitled to revoke. Under UK GDPR your image is personal data, so send a formal request to stop processing it and remove it from active materials. Keep copies of everything in case they drag their feet.

MrSmith 07/06/2023 at 7:36 am

My company hired models to use for their website, catalog and social etc but ended up using some of my self. I have now been used in an article, a website and also POS for some stores in the UK. My intention is to leave soon due to a toxic environment and I was wondering what will happen to my image as I’ll be potentially earning money for the company but not receiving anything in return. I haven’t been paid for the extra work like the models it’s not in my contract that my images would be used either. I have kinda okayed it but now it’s getting a bit much and with me leave I want to know if I can ask them to stop using my image when I leave.

Jonno70 11/04/2023 at 2:12 pm

I’m proposing to put together a collage of pictures taken over the years of our employees at work, out on social events, pictures of how our offices have changed over the years etc. They would be displayed on a noticeboard in the reception area. Someone has raised the point about needing individuals permission and I wondered if this would be the case?

Larry 13/10/2020 at 8:00 pm

Hi, my previous employer has posted a promotional video which includes full images, including face. Video shot earlier in the year and they have since made my job role redundant due to COVID-19. I’ve now started working for another company and did not give permission for images of me to be used by previous employer, who are aware that I am employed elsewhere. Can I ask them to take down any images showing myself, I don’t want to be associated with previous employer?

Octapockta 29/09/2020 at 12:22 pm

Hi, I have emailed my previous for them to take down a video of me on there web page and they refused to do so. what can i do?

Pam 19/06/2020 at 7:50 am

I left my old company in jan 2020 and started with a new company 2 weeks later.my old boss is still putting pics of me up on sites to promote his business.is this right and how do I stop it?

No nickname 02/03/2020 at 3:55 pm

Hi, my image is still being used to promote my old company. What can I do to stop this or can I sue them for still using me as a promotional tool on their website. I’ve left the company in June 2019 and it’s still being used to this day! What’s my next move?

Thanks

Carl

Dazzla 22/12/2019 at 11:51 am

Hi, a company i used to work for is using images of myself to promote there holiday park offering and sales of food and beverage and holiday home sales. I hadnt agreed to this. Where do i stand?

EAG 26/11/2019 at 10:17 am

My boss asked us to have photos for the new website, I had told her I wasn't comfortable with this and she tried to force me into it but then let it go. I've recently seen on the website there is a group photo put on which I am in and haven't given consent for this. Where do I stand with this?
My boss is very difficult to approach and is constantly speaking down to staff so I don't want to cause myself more distress.

TA 23/10/2019 at 9:02 am

My child has left a school and they are now using an image of him on their website!
I agreed when he was a pupil but not now. Do I have a GDPR case please?

Boof 21/10/2019 at 4:04 pm

Hello, a company that I used to work for five years ago has used my photograph without my permission outside the workplace for advertisement. Where do I stand with this?

frh60 12/09/2019 at 3:06 am

My husband was fired and then his photos were used for propaganda because clients and customers and donors were not happy so they used the photos to promote. We have told them to take them down and they put up more . We billed them for the usage and they refuse to pay . What is the next thing to do.

Susie Doll 26/08/2019 at 9:42 am

I have discovered that a company has used a photo of me in a document that has been submitted to our local council as part of a planning application. I wasn't even aware that a photo had been taken of me when I attended a consultation session in our local centre. Are they allowed to do this without my permission?

Anne 05/08/2019 at 6:25 pm

I have just had my bathroom cleaned by a cleaning company and was very happy with the job. However when I went online there was a before and after pictures of my shower cubicle. I didn't give permission for this and I am furious. Can they do this?

niknak 18/07/2019 at 11:54 am

An image of my children has been used in a paid advertising campaign without my permission and used on their website. On the day the photo was taken I went up to the photographer and asked for her to not take photographs of my sons she agreed and walked off. However they have been used by the company. I have now managed to get the photo removed from their website, twitter. The image however is still on the web. Can I sue for damages for the distress this has caused my sons and I.

TBird 02/07/2019 at 12:55 pm

Our company website shows a group photograph that was taken a year ago, six of us are in the picture. One person in the photo has since left of her own accord. (She made a big show of resigning, expecting us to beg her to stay, but we very gladly accepted her resignation!) Now she's demanding we remove the photograph.

Before she left we removed all references to her by name, so nothing on the site links the image to her. The image was created with her consent specifically to use on the site, as she knew at the time. until she resigned this has not been an issue.

I intend organizing a replacement asap but at a time convenient to me, not one dictated out of spite by her. Can she force us to remove it before we might otherwise wish to do so? We're UK based so GDPR applies.

G 14/06/2019 at 4:27 pm

A picture of me was taken at a party at new years inside of a venue. This picture has been used to promote the venue on their website, social media and the local community magazine. I was not asked if they could use the image in any capacity. Am I entitled to anything?

Whitford 15/05/2019 at 8:23 am

Morning,
I have recently had a builder in to complete a bathroom instalment, it has been 80% completed and he has received full payment for it! I cannot get hold of him to finish the job... I know I shouldn’t have made full payment until the job was completed but this was our first project and let’s say lesson learnt.
The main reason for the post though. I have noticed on his 'Company' Facebook page pictures of my bathroom are now being used as marketing, is this allowed without my consent?
He has not mentioned any form of address or me!
Thank You

Scott 17/04/2019 at 11:31 am

Our org is asking for a personal photo which they wish to use to have avatar created from

Do we have to comply with this ?

I use my ordinary face picture for most things so people can see what I look like if they are trying to find me for any reason to speak with

But I'm not sure I wish to be turned into a cartoon image of myself

Can I refuse to allow my image to be used in this way ?

Thank you

_scott

jj 16/04/2019 at 1:31 pm

A few years ago i reluctantly agreed to be interviewed in my home about the street in which i live.
I was adamant no filming/ no photos.
Yet they have used two photos of me in a recent online article and apparently the photo has been syndicated ?
what are my rights?
I am very distressed as i hate having my photo taken and would never agree to it being used. I always avoid having my photo taken.

MissMystery 12/04/2019 at 5:31 pm

What is the legal standing regarding an ex employer using images containing me as part of their marketing / social media?

Photos taken whilst employed there, but now I no longer work for them it seems strange for those images bearing my likeness to be promoting a company that I personally would not promote.

Could a takedown notice or similar be issued? I don't recall signing a release at the time, though I will be endeavouring to check.

anjohn 11/04/2019 at 1:54 pm

I'm part of a volunteer group in my local area and my son, who started the group, puts photographs on his litter picking social media site to show the amount collected. Yesterday a flyer was pushed through the letter box from a councilor asking for support in the forth coming council elections with a photograph of me on the front page.l consider that outrageous,no one asked permission can they do that ?
Thank you

apbf1 19/03/2019 at 1:30 pm

Hi We have just seen a company using a photo of our home which is a widebeam barge on an advertising board for there new homes.
I would like to know if they can do this and if not what I can do about it.
I have a photo of the advertising board which feature our home mainly with a few others on too.

Thank you

Raquel 05/03/2019 at 10:17 am

As a street photographer can I use images of the people I photographed on my website or do they need to know about it?

Shell 02/03/2019 at 7:37 pm

A company I have never worked for are using an image of me on their company website without permission. Is this allowed and what can I do about it.

Weeme95 12/01/2019 at 10:36 am

I agreed for my company to use my photo on their web page but last night I went on and all my past working background of where I worked was on there as well also my certificate level which I gained in a past job is this allowed?.

Nico 11/12/2018 at 11:05 pm

I have recently seen an advertisement for a trade organisation in a UK national magazine. One of many photographs features a person who looks like me. The trade organisation have refused to give me a larger copy of the image. They initially assured me that it could not be me because the image came from a trusted third party. I formally asked for a copy of the image and the information about the photographer and the date that the image was made. In their response they told me that they were looking at the wrong image - despite me informing them of its location in the advertisement. They have now told me that they know the name of the person, he is a member of their trade association and they have the name of the photographer. Do I have any rights that can force them to reveal the information that I wish to see? Is there anything that I can do about getting them to reveal more information? A larger photograph might reveal more details that would help me in my identification.

Trig 06/11/2018 at 11:42 pm

My employer has made a sign at the entrance of the building that shows a photo of myself and says my first name i never consented to this and when i raised the issue with upper management they informed me they do not need my consent surely this is against the law. What action should i take to request my image be taken down and destroyed?

El 04/10/2018 at 12:20 am

I worked for an Interior Design company 9 years ago now they started up a development company from it, they used my photo then even though I didn’t work for them and 9 years on if I google my name that picture and job comes up!! I never allowed it and I’ve asked them to take this down but I get no response and it is still there. What can I do? It’s really unfair - how can they get away with this? Any help would be great. Thank you..:

AiD Editor 18/09/2018 at 2:37 pm

@Tammie - absolutely you can. The company have to take down your image if you request it.

Tammie 18/09/2018 at 4:39 am

Hi there I’ve recently left my employment
We had photo taken in feb this year for the web page I did sign to they could use my image
Now that I’ve been gone for 3 months I’ve noticed that they have my photo on there web site promoting the business but I was not contacted & asked if they could use them can I demand that they remove my image as I don’t work for the company any more along with 3 other girls that are also in the image

Scoops 11/09/2018 at 10:48 am

Hi, I’m need of some advice. Is it legal for a company I worked for but no longer do to still continue to have my name upon their website? They appear to be marketing themselves as having me there to carry out work however I am definitely not working there any longer? Does this fall under false misrepresentation laws? Your advice much appreciated many thanks.

Malibu 03/09/2018 at 5:04 pm

Can a double glazing company use photo’s of their installations at my mothers house in digital marketing being displayed in an estate agents, they’ve not asked her consent at all, thank you,

AidB Editor 04/09/2018 at 11:07 am

@Halcyon - you would have to request permission for the building/company owners first.

Halcyon 30/08/2018 at 4:39 pm

Hi,
We service a number of clients in a city and would like to use some images only of the buildings from the clients own websites within our own website.
Could you please confirm the procedure.
Thank you.

Sarah 19/08/2018 at 11:18 am

What if you have left the company and have asked for the pictures to be removed and they haven't months on?

kirkfell 29/07/2018 at 10:51 am

i have a business website and my landlord has taken a photo from my website to use in their nationally circulated magazine without asking for my permission
is this illegal

YourPrivacy Editor 03/07/2018 at 2:07 pm

If you do not approve, you can request the company removes it.

Hanban 03/07/2018 at 12:18 pm

Hi I need your advice please. Previously worked for a company and employment there was terminated. Months later they have now posted a photo on social media without asking any permission. Is this legal?

MN Editor 03/07/2018 at 1:39 pm

@Stacy - if you ask them to take it down they are obliged to.

Stacy 02/07/2018 at 10:05 pm

Hi, I live in a low cost housing rental and the company that owns it has used my picture with my son and my sister on their website , so the first thing you would see is our picture on this website. Firstly I was ambushed into them taking these pics of us because it was early on a Saturday morning and we we're on our way out so to get them off our necks we let them take a few pics and the guy was like "oh these pics would not be used in South Africa its for abroad promotion" and then we were done and a few month s go by and people keep asking me what my picture is doing on this website and I feel like my privacy had been invaded because I didn't ask for this and I certainly did not get paid for it either. What can I do about this?

Tom Editor 11/05/2018 at 2:57 pm

@Bedders - just ask them to take it down. Only if they refuse can you complain to the ICO.

Bedders 07/05/2018 at 9:52 pm

Hi

Can a builder publish pictures of the inside of my house without permission.

Many thanks for any feedback you can offer.

monty 27/04/2018 at 2:40 pm

I am private on Instagram and put up a photo of me at my workplace, a follower then screenshot it and sent it to my employer,is this legal?
.

YourPrivacy Editor 24/04/2018 at 9:50 am

With regards to the law, you are covered by the Human Rights Act under your rights to privacy. Article 8 of the Act entitled “The Right to Respect for Private and Family Life, Home and Correspondence, means from what you have said you would have recourse to complain. In the first instance, it may be best to speak to your neighbour politely, explain the situation to them and request that they make certain modifications to the CCTV system so that it does not infringe on your privacy. If your neighbour refuses, you can contact your local police force to come out to investigate. They would obviously need to be satisfied that the installation was basically causing harassment/voyeurism, before any action can be taken. You can see more via whichwhich fully outlines your privacy rights. .

debzil 23/04/2018 at 4:09 pm

hello,

Need advice urgently!
My neighbour has installed real cctv cameras on her house, 2 at the front facing at my vehicle parked on the street, the other in rear garden viewing my 10 & 11yr old kids on trampoline. I don't fully believe she is using this for home security as we live in a low risk area for crime, never any trouble or police etc. I have caught her numerous times peeping through her upstairs blinds then quickly shuts them. She seems to have an unhealthy interest in the coming and goings of my family.

We have a legal boundary dispute going on between us at the moment so I think she has done this to harass us. Does anybody know where I stand with this as I feel like she has these cameras not solely for security. Feels like our daily lives are being watched. I would also like to know how I can get somebody to run some checks on her background as she lives alone and her behaviour is weird, (the sort that likes to scream through letterbox and bang on door making threats and makes lies up.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

YourPrivacy Editor 10/04/2018 at 11:47 am

You can certainly ask them to take it down and if they don't you can then take the matter further.

AG 09/04/2018 at 6:00 pm

Hello,

Recently I visited a local shop to buy some stuff. I wasn't aware that they were photographing on the day and they took my picture without consent and now they are using that video on facebook. Are they allowed to do that? Can I sue them?

mikethekite 25/02/2018 at 10:08 am

Hi,
I changed company but I still have the ID photo made by the professinal photographer paied by the former employer (only face is shown no bar code or company brand) that used for badge and intranet website. Can I use that pic for my CV and social media?
Thanks
Michele

Josie 29/01/2018 at 7:59 pm

Wonder if you can help me..I’ve had a picture used of me from someone I don’t know saving it on their phone after I elteef it last year? The photo went viral on social media and racial abuse, death threats and general threatening comments occurred! I’ve traced who originally posted it? Can I sue?

Susie 27/01/2018 at 9:12 pm

A photo we took on holiday & enterered for a competion is now being used to advertise the hotel on instagram ...this cant be right??

Rache Editor 25/01/2018 at 2:49 pm

@Sevywood - once you've left the company, then company should take down the photo. You should write to your employer and asked that it is removed. You can certainly try and seek payment, I imagine they'll take the image down immediately as soon as you do that. LOL.

Sevywood 23/01/2018 at 8:37 pm

Hi
I resigned 2 months ago from a company that i had previously worked for over 20 years.
During this time my image was used to advertise the company services.
Ive checked the web site and seen my image is still being used for advertising purposes
This is a large world wide company.
What are my rights to asking for it to be removed.
Can i seek renumeration if it is not removed.
Thank you

The Doc 15/11/2017 at 2:34 pm

An ex employer of mine asked me to do some videos to put on their web site. They were "how to" videos showing people how to install, service or use their products.
I didn't sign any sort of agreement to allow them to do this but at the time I thought it would help the company as well as me (by avoiding unnecessary phone calls asking for help)
I left the company 2 years ago but they still have the videos on their web site.
Do I have any rights regarding this case for example.
1. can i request them to stop using the videos.
2. Can i request payments to allow them to continue to use them.
3. Can i get any written agreements to control the way they are used. For example if i die can they continue to use the videos or is there something in law that says they would have to stop using them.
4. Who actually owns the rights to them?

Thank you

grim 23/09/2017 at 2:55 pm

Hello I am disabled with a brain injury amongst other things from a car crash. Six years ago I moved into a new property but knew right away things didn't feel right. My neighbour has admitted to police that I do not belong here and they have been on my case from the start. They have made so many false allegations about me I've lost count. They also call the police and demand they come out but nothing has happened. A couple of years ago they admitted they wanted to install cctv to watch me because of their paranoid feelings toward me I guess. They have one camera trained on my private front garden and only entrance and monitor 24/7. When I first pointed this out to police, the police actually lied for them saying the camera did not do what I claimed. I do not leave my house because I am not happy what might happen and what they will do with their images of me. A year later it was found I was 100% right and the officer had a telling off but the police said they were unable to get him to say why he did it so rather than lie, he had misled? The police claim they cannot stop them filming me but the camera clearly has no effect on either their safety or security in any way. I also have firm evidence that the neighbour stores my images despite the police saying they are not interested in them. The police refuse to discuss the matter further now. I am unable to work and have only my accident money to live on and cannot afford a lawyer. One said it would cost in excess of three thousand just to deal with the camera and it might not still be successful. Please can anyone help me?

Worried 26/08/2017 at 3:21 am

We live in a very quiet cul de sac and my neighbour has a 24 hour dash cam on his car which has an infra red facility. This camera looks directly on my lounge and is a mere approx 12 feet away. Does he have the right to film us like this?

Jas Editor 12/04/2017 at 12:38 pm

@Valsoares - The only way you can protect your work is to register copyright - only then will you will allowed to claim statutory damages if you find someone using your image. But then bringing it to court gets expensive. That's why the internet is awash with stolen images out there.

Valsoares 11/04/2017 at 9:05 pm

I am a fashion designer, I have set up a shop on etsy and recently doing a reverse image search to find out about blogs my products were featured I found out that there are companies using images of my products, even adding their watermarks on it. I have the original photos and can prove they belong to me. I got in touch with the sites and some of them removed the photos and apologized, others not only ignored my requests but where also offending me on my facebook pages behind some fake profile. I am not after money but I am frustrated as I run the business on my own, from making the products to photographs to postage and know that someone is using my work to scam people. Question is, do I have a case against them? If so, how shall I proceed?

Anon22 19/02/2017 at 5:25 pm

A local gym class has used a video of me taking part in a class (with other people) and has put this on social media. I complained and manager said she had verbally asked people if they mind before class started, although none of the people I was with heard this. Now this video is being used within a Facebook feed for a separate company (offering their customers a discount on the gym session I was attending). I am identifiable in the video as facing the camera (but was unaware I was being filmed). Is this allowed? I wasn't impressed with the first video but now another company is using it too.

CeeJay Editor 14/12/2016 at 2:33 pm

@Gem - it's probably best to if you're working for another salon. The customer may have given you permission to use it for your previous work, but not share it any further, meaning your previous employer is protecting its customer's privacy rights.

Gem 09/12/2016 at 7:16 pm

I worked as an employee for a company where I took photos of hair that I have done. I've now left that company and gone self employed in another salon and have used one of my photos to advertise my work on the salons instagram. My ex employer has got in touch and has said that I'm data protection as the photo was taken on their property and have asked for it to be removed. Not sure what to do as I myself took the photos of my work on my phone with the customers permission.do I have to take the photo down

JMN56 Editor 29/11/2016 at 12:22 pm

@G - yes of course you can, especially if you no longer work there. I don't think it's illegal to have your image up, but out of courtesy they should take it down if you request it. Jim.

G 29/11/2016 at 12:41 am

I have retired from the company I worked at for 33 years. They have a picture on the home page of their website that has me included. Can I ask that my picture not be used?

Jh9911 23/11/2016 at 7:39 pm

Work want to film me working to go on there website can I refuse this?

YourPrivacy Editor 02/11/2016 at 2:49 pm

You would have to request this directly. If photos are taken for personal use they are not covered by the Data Protection Act. However, if photos taken for official usage, they may be covered by the Act. You may find more information whichThe ICO would also be able to give you more direct advice. I hope this helps.

YourPrivacy Editor 13/10/2016 at 12:52 pm

Yes, you can certainly request the company stops using this image.

Destresserai 12/10/2016 at 10:40 pm

My husband worked for a company on a self-employed basis and several years ago was photographed for a promotional picture. In 2015, the company decided that they would no longer offer my husband work (through unscrupulous practices on their part but he was unable to take any real action against the company as he was self-employed). As recently as yesterday, the company continue to use my husband's image on local newspaper articles both web-based and hard copy. Are they allowed to do this or can we request that they stop the use of his image???

Tala 06/10/2016 at 8:40 am

We live in a quiet cul de sac in a semi rural area with a low crime rate yet my neighbours
have cameras on their house. Their house is the last house in the cul de sac
Their latest camera moves and pans the street , it films the houses opposite and the comings and goings of their family , friends etc. Another camera points across my land and films me and my visitors and other neighbours.

We are all at a loss to understand why these neighbours feel the need to have these cameras as well as the numerous lights that illuminbate the house. I can stand on my drive and their flood lights come and I believe I am being filmed.

What can be done about the cameras and the filming?

YourPrivacy Editor 08/09/2016 at 12:25 pm

If you no longer work for the company, then you can request your information is removed. According to the ICO: 'An employer should review the personal data it holds about an individual when that individual leaves the organisation’s employment. It will need to retain enough data to enable the organisation to deal with, say, providing references or information about the individual’s pension arrangements. However, personal data that is unlikely to be needed again should be removed from the organisation’s records.' I hope this helps.

YourPrivacy Editor 08/09/2016 at 11:08 am

If your former company is still using the photos of previous staff, then you should write to the company and ask for those images to be removed. If the company refuses, then you may wish to contact the ICO, here.

none 07/09/2016 at 6:23 pm

I gave my company permission to use my photo on their website. I am quitting the company and want my photo taken down. The company has refused due to cost and the fact that they own the photo. Can I demand my photo be taken down?

Tj 07/09/2016 at 2:00 pm

Any response to my question of with August???

YourPrivacy Editor 07/09/2016 at 10:48 am

You have the right to be confident that organisations handle your personal information responsibly and in line with good practice. If you have a concern about the way an organisation is handling your information, you can see more via the ICO link here which will tell you how to complain.

GillyA 06/09/2016 at 11:45 am

Hi,

I recently joined a weight loss program and at the start photos were taken for a 'Before and after' comparison.

After leaving the gym, I have gone onto the website to find that they are using my before and after photos for advertising with a false statement I never made.

Is this legal? I have requested that they take it down but am upset that they would do this without my permission in the first place.

Thanks

ADE76 Editor 13/12/2016 at 12:03 pm

@Anon - You need to contact the company directly and ask for the photograph to be removed by a specified time scale. (i.e two weeks). If the company refuses or does not keep to your request, then you can take the matter further. Adrian.

Anon 01/09/2016 at 11:00 am

Hi, thank you for the useful article. I really hope you will answer my question.
My ex employer still have my photos from a business event from 2 years ago on the business website. The event and purpose is finished but I think the business is using it as marketing. Photos can be found publicly on google as well as my name. I have not signed a consent form so do i have the right to e-mail the small business to ask them to remove my photo and name? and what to do if they ignore my e-mail?

YourPrivacy Editor 01/09/2016 at 10:51 am

You would have to seek legal advice regarding this. A solicitor's letter may do the trick.

James 31/08/2016 at 2:56 pm

I work for a company where children do lots of activities and generally have a lot of fun.

We recently had a mum post a negative review where she also posted a photo and the name of an employee.

Naturally this has caused upset, and even though a full investigation (cctv too) showed no wrong doing, the customer won't remove the staffs name and photo.

Isnt this defamation? We have reported this to google but been advised they won't 'mediate' or remove. Can you advise please as this leaves everyone deflated and feeling like they have done wrong when clearly it's not the case. There is a lot about trolls, bullying, but when this affects your prospects and place of work, this is hard to tolerate. Thank you so much in advance.

Tj 26/08/2016 at 6:08 am

A company that I know made all the staff redundant with no notice or pay are still using a photo on a website to advertise, is this legal? Some of the ex staff are very unhappy about this

Vic 03/08/2016 at 3:15 pm

Customer came into my work and complained about service they then took a photo of me which I politely asked them to delete as I hadn't given them permission and it wasn't relevant as they had my name and details. What are my rights

Kaz 25/07/2016 at 2:45 pm

The company I work for want to take my photograph for a photo wall at work.. So that customers know who I am... I don't want my photo on display... We already have to wear badge with full name on and my full name is on the website (my permission was never given) I think this is more than sufficient... Is it my right to refuse?

YourPrivacy Editor 28/04/2016 at 12:24 pm

In this case you may have to take it to the course organiser directly, especially if your grade has been compromised as a result.

Lisa 27/04/2016 at 4:59 pm

I am taking an online class. There are discussion forums throughout the course. The teacher requested us to post our picture so that others will "know" us. I refused to post my picture. I am private and do not want my picture "out there." I do not even do face book because I am private. This teacher penalized my grade because I refused to post the picture! Now I have a "D" in the class instead of a "B" because she said I did not do what I asked of her. I told her that she could NOT legally make me post my picture. Am I correct? What can I do about this?
Thanks,

YourPrivacy Editor 24/03/2016 at 11:54 am

You would have to contact/write the agency directly and ask for it to be removed.

Spud 23/03/2016 at 2:29 pm

Hi there,

I worked for an estate agency and a month after I have left the company my photo and name is still being used on their website.

What can I do to get it removed?

Greg 11/03/2016 at 8:10 am

This is not in any terms & Conditions of my contract. I can understand the picture taken of me when i first started with the company was for company security purposes, they were proposing to use that picture without my consent.
I did not agree for it to be used in a new App. to be rolled out across the network where in the area i work, possibly, 50,000 people i don't know will have access to my details .
The company cannot & will not guarantee that any of thier customers will not use my details for Malicious purposes i.e trolling etc.
Since i have refused to sign the company have not given me any work & told me if i sign i will get work back, which has cost me over my notice period which ends today as i will start a new job as off Monday.

YourPrivacy Editor 10/03/2016 at 11:07 am

I suggest looking in the terms and conditions of your franchise agreement to see whether this is specified. If it is and you have signed in agreement, then there may be little you can do. However, if the rest of the franchisees are in agreement and dislike this process of identification, then perhaps you could bring this to the franchise owners attention and request another form of ID verification to be put in place.

Greg 09/03/2016 at 9:55 am

To Phil, Yes we obviously do operate for the same company, I will have another job by the time it goes live, on the 14/03/2016 but i've been "Stood down" for not signing, ( I'll no longer be working for them so am wondering WHY they are adamant i sign !!) therefore i have been earning no money since last thurs.

I would be most interested in the outcome of your email Phil as i would also be looking to take legal action against thecompany & thier Bullying & Intimidating actions.

Joint action might be a course to think about here ;-).

Hope for a good outcome.
Greg

PHIL 08/03/2016 at 10:05 pm

Sorry...should have typed Greg.

PHIL 08/03/2016 at 10:03 pm

In reply to Steve and Grey, it appears we may work for the same dynamic parcel distribution company. I spoke today to someone in the data protection commissioners office and he advised me to send my query by e-mail. I did that this evening. He was puzzled as to why they want to do this and asked me what the outcome of the employee impact survey was. I told him I didn't think there was one. I asked a manager tonight about it and he gave me a blank stare. I told the commissioner about the app going live soon, my objections and the possible disciplinary action and they said it will be prioritised. I will post again when I hear back.

Steve 08/03/2016 at 9:04 pm

Hi. Like Phil and Greg I work for a major UK parcel delivery company as an employed driver. I have been told recently that I have no option but to allow them to use my Photograph to be sent to customers either by an e-mail or text for a new service which comes live shortly. I have personally objected to having my photograph shown and have been told I will face disciplinary action if I refuse my photograph to be used. Is this legal?

Greg 07/03/2016 at 4:02 pm

Like Phil I am also a franchisee owner with a major UK parcel delivery company. I am on my notice period as i am leaving on the 11th March 2016 & I have been "Stood down" for refusing to sign my agreement to allow them to use my image for the same App. that Phil is talking about as i will have moved on to a new job by the time it goes live.
Since being "Stood down" ( they used the excuse that there is no work for me....but every morning im told sign & the work is there!!) I have earned no money .....I am viewing this as Bullying & Intimidation & think certain rights have been breached....any advice would be very helpful.

dee dee 05/02/2016 at 12:50 pm

My Son owns a nursery on an industrial estate the nursery was there before the industrial estate the guy who owns the estate has decided to put cameras up across from the nursery there is already cameras up but only face their units where does he stand in stopping it

Phil 21/01/2016 at 10:28 pm

Hi. I am a franchise owner driver for a major UK parcel delivery company. I have been told recently that I have to have my Photograph taken so that when customers are sent an e-mail or text, my name and photograph will be included to identify me as their delivery driver. At the moment, my name is sent to them, but I strongly object to my image being sent to hundreds of people who I don't know. I feel my personal details may be compromised when my name, Photograph and company I work for are used in this way. Can I object under data protection rules.

Andy 14/01/2016 at 12:58 pm

Hello,
My face appears on my previous companys brouchure which is also on their website.
As i do not want to appear on the website / brochure as i do not work for them anymore i asked them to remove it several times,they have not replied to me so i need to know who i can contact to help me out, i never agreed to use my image as was told it was for showing the product we sold.

Cat 17/12/2015 at 9:45 am

Hi a member of staff took a photo of me sitting on a chair at work, they then showed my manager who did not authorise it, any advice.

Jobee 11/12/2015 at 2:51 am

My work had a trade magazine come out to write article for company, it will be published and probably find its way to Internet. I'm a privacy nut so I politely refused, boss insisted even though there were several others ready to be in photo op, I declined, boss became very irritated with me. I feel I have a right to my privacy and not have my face out there to the whole world. Hope I don't get reprimanded for this

leeds27 05/12/2015 at 11:07 am

Hi
A property near us is trying to get planning permission for a block of flats and has employed a company to put forward their planning proposal.

In this document which is now live on a council website they have included pictures of our property and pictures of our vehicles without blurring the registration plates.

Is this allowed?

Many thanks

EXPENSIVE TRIS 16/11/2015 at 7:38 am

I never understand this website because. I want too know how I can put my photo on Internet sorry tell me what I can do

YourPrivacy Editor 28/09/2015 at 12:19 pm

Yes, a few courier services have been operating this process for a while, as it gives them a defence against people who complain they have not received the parcel. This does not contravene the Data Protection Act as it is quite legal to take a photograph in a public place.

KB 26/09/2015 at 2:25 pm

A delivery company took a photo of my property today without my permission as proof that they had delivered a parcel for a neighbour. Where does this stand in relation to data protection, please the company have told us it's standard practice, but I have never come across this before.

shawnat 07/07/2015 at 11:11 pm

Sam's Club recently used my minor son"s photo in one of their online ads. I have never given permission, nor was I asked. What should I do now?

MG82 27/01/2015 at 7:17 am

Hi,
Ive just read the article on consent to pictures being used for work related web pages. I wonder if the same advice is true if we are being told that our images are to be used within a printed media (ie magazine/newsletter etc etc). Ive been told that if I dont have my photo taken, they will simply use the one they have for my security pass. Is this legal?

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