Photo rights

S01892M

I recently left a job that I have been in for many years. I left because they caused me to be signed off with stress. About a month before I left they took photos of all the staff for their website. I didnt want this to happen but was not given an option to opt out.
A month after I left they updated the website using my photo as part of the staff group.
I do not wish to have any association with this company.
Can I insist that they remove my photo, and if so how do I approach this matter?

InsideInsurance

what does the website say? That you are a current member of the team?

I guess in theory this may be covered by the data protection act in that their data must be accurate and complete but you'd have to give them reasonable time to adjust it which may not be hours or days if they have to go via a 3rd party to update their site etc

In the first instance just do things nicely, contact your former manager or HR and politely note that you're still listed on their site as staff and you'd like that to be corrected.

If they are listing you as past member of the team there is probably little you can legally do but a nicely written letter may still get the result

foxwales

You have no rights other than to politely ask that you be removed or obscured from the picture.

By appearing in the photograph, you would be deemed to have given consent, unless you were coerced or forced into it.

robatwork

S01892M wrote: »

About a month before I left they took photos of all the staff for their website. I didnt want this to happen but was not given an option to opt out.

You didn't need to be given an option to opt out. You just don't let them take your picture - they can't force you.

I guess it's a moot point now anyway, but unless the picture is showing you in a compromising position don't worry about it. Send a letter to the MD asking for it to be edited to remove you.

hollydays

Also, I can see you seem to have had some traumatic experiences with them but you would presumable give them as your referee?

patman99

As a semi-pro photographer, the rules regarding the use of images for promotional purposes are very clear indeed.

If the image contains a person or persons and is taken in such a way that the person/s can be identified (i.e. face shot/full length shot), then each person is required to sign a 'Model release form'. This explains what the person may expect in return for allowing their image to be used.
This could be that a fee is paid, or that the person will receive a copy of the image for their own portfolio.
It may also be as simple as confirming that the the person/s are happy to allow their image/s to be used without reward or recourse.

Did you sign one of these ?.
Chances are that you didn't. In this case, you can request that the image is removed with immediate effect as it is being used without your consent.