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Including Images or Photos in your Weblets

When creating new material on the web, it is tempting to use interesting graphics or photographs of people to make it more attractive but you must make sure that you do not infringe another person's copyright or invade an individual's privacy, particularly if they are under the age of 18.

In addition, if you hold any personal details of individuals, including lists of names, addresses - perhaps by creating a mailing list or by hosting a guest book - you must make sure that you abide by the Data Protection Act.
Using pictures of people can help your web pages look more attractive and interesting but you should always respect an individual's right to privacy and make sure that you get permission before publishing images of anyone. This applies to children and adults alike, regardless of whether they attend your school or are employed by your organisation. Here are a few guidelines to bear in mind if you're considering using images of people:

  • Get consent before taking any new images.

  • If you wish to use existing images, get the consent of any recognisable individuals - possession of an image does not give you the right to use it without the consent of the individual(s) involved.

  • When using images of children, get the consent of a parent or guardian and avoid using personal details, such as names, ages, addresses or telephone numbers.

  • Do not re-use images in different circumstances or contexts without getting further written consent from with the individual concerned.

  • If naming a child, don't include an image; if using an image of an individual child, don't name them.


In all cases, consent should take the form of a signed, written form stating: how the image will be used, how long the period of consent will last and what will happen when the consent period lapses (e.g, if the images will be destroyed).

Summary

  • In general, it is essential that signed permission is given by individuals appearing in photographs for their use in publications/print etc.

  • This permission could have a time limit attached (i.e 3 - 5 years depending on the content of the picture) after which the permission runs out.

  • Children under 12 will require a parent or guardian's permission.

  • Those aged 12 -16 yrs will also have to sign a consent form in addition to their parents.