If you take someone's photo can you publish it in social media, such as Facebook? It seems there are strict rules to follow or you can land in hot water. This has been in the news as a young man took a "selfie" with Jean Marie le Pen then published advising his followers not to vote for the FN.
Le Pen blames this on part for the party's defeat in the regional elections and says it was taken without his permission and is used to show him in a bad light.
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| le Pen asleep |
The law says that citizens have a right to their image which should not be published without their permission (written or oral) and even if permission has been granted the picture cannot be used to show them in a bad light, or for commercial reasons. Withdrawal of the picture plus damages of around 4000 euros are what the courts typically order. It is purely a civil matter and the possessor of the right needs to take court action. Particularly frowned upon are intrusions into one's "sentimental, family or health" matters.
Presumably such rights are routinely flouted by the "press people" - though many so-called celebrities seem to be just attention seekers.
Since M Le Pen's photo is now widely seen in the press the damage is done and only the original taker of the selfie is at risk. We hope.
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