Report someone taking photographs in a public place
There is no law preventing people from taking photographs in public. This includes taking photos of other people’s children.
If you are taking photographs on private land, such as in art galleries, museums, stately homes or theatres, you should have the landowner’s permission.
Taking a photo of a person where they can expect privacy, such as inside their home or garden, may also cause a breach of privacy.
However, unless the images which have been taken are indecent, nobody has the right to:
- ask a photographer to stop
- ask for a copy of the photos
- force a photographer to delete the photographs
How do I report…
concerns about indecent photos
It is an offence to take indecent photographs. Report concern about someone taking potentially indecent photographs:
- online — fill in the general enquiry form
- by phone — call 101
- in person — visit a police station
photographs taken without my consent
If someone is consistently photographing you when you are in public against your will, it may be considered harassment or stalking.
drones operated by companies
If a drone has a camera it has the potential to capture images of people and information about people, such as car registration numbers.
Individuals or organisations who use the device for professional or commercial purposes must comply with data protection requirements.
The ICO states images captured by drones, for example, those operated by estate agents, have the potential to be covered by the Data Protection Act 2018.