No Pictures Please

A Texas family has sued Australia’s Virgin Mobile phone company, claiming it caused their teenage daughter grief and humiliation by plastering her photo on billboards and website advertisements without consent.

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The picture of 16-year-old Chang flashing a peace sign was taken in April by Alison’s youth counsellor, who posted it that day on his Flickr page, according to Alison’s brother, Damon.

In the ad, Virgin Mobile printed one of its campaign slogans, “Dump your pen friend,” over Alison’s picture.

The ad also says “Free text virgin to virgin” at the bottom.

The camp counsellor had a Creative Commons license on his photos.

This is why I never post pictures of other people, especially ones of their children, online in any kind of public format. Even with their consent, there’s still the potential for misuses.

I think all my friends and family know this already but please don’t post pictures of Stephen online with his full face showing unless it’s in a private, locked album. Thanks.

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Comment by Angela Subscribed to comments via email

2007-09-22 18:40:33

First, I don’t know why Virgin would not pay a few models for photos for their ad. Second, I don’t know of a public company that would take pictures without consent. If it’s other way around, the company would have suited a private citizen until he is out of money. That is not very nice of Virgin. The law might be on Virgin’s side, but it’s still not right.

And I agree with you about posting pictures on a public site, where everyone can see it.

Reply to this comment

Comment by Cottontimer

2007-09-22 18:52:24

I’m guessing they wanted to look like they were hip to Web 2.0 trends. And, most people were probably flattered to have the attention. This girl Alison might have actually thought it was cool but I can tell you if I were her parent, that camp counselor would have gotten a good chewing out and I would consider suing as well.

At Stephen’s school, there’s a policy that no one should take pictures of other people’s children. Hard to enforce esp. during school plays and such but a good general rule.

Comment by Robyn

2007-09-22 21:59:33

Cottontimer, we are wise to be cautious in these areas. I have been babysitting for my four grandsons this weekend and I am more aware of the many dangers!

2007-09-24 09:37:46

Hi Robin! Little boys are amazing creatures, aren’t they? Hope you had a great weekend with them.