Filming in public

[happy_face]

Other half was watching a programme last night, think it was cops with cameras, or something similar. There does seem to be a lot of these police programmes on at the moment.
A couple of coppers stopped this old guy to ask him some questions and obviously the camera crew was with them. The old guy wasn't keen on the camera and one of the coppers said to him that they were allowed to film anything they liked. That comment really made think, do we not have any rights as to being on tv?

Yes they had fuzzed out his face, but they were in a small village so I'm sure anyone from that village would know who he was by his mannerism and speech.

I remember my sister once being a victim of candid camera and they had to get her to sign her consent for it to be shown on tv.

Regardless of innonce/guilt and I'm sure some people would say, if you haven't got anything to hide etc. but I was just thinking if there are no privacy laws at all?

What's your opinion on it?

[Ethel]

The man you refer to probably agreed to the footage being shown if his face was pixelated.

Anybody has the right to take photos of anybody or anything that can be photographed from a public place or private place with permission of the land owner- it is perfectly legal to take a photo with a long lens of the inside of a person's house providing he is not trespassing to do so. If the photographer continues after being asked to stop, that could constitute harassment.
That has always been the case.

[what..the?]

I was filmed by a camera man for a virgin documentary called 'frontline force' on bravo and they asked if they could put me in the film and I had to say to the camera my name and details and that I agreed to being shown. Otherwise legally they just blur the faces out.

By the way I didn't get away with my pot farm in the loft.....busted!

[legend.isgod]

the police can film anyone with or without their permission i believe.
but you have the right to get a copy of the film if you apply to the police with the officers badge number they must give you a copy .

[happy_face]

Ethel - that's very interesting. thank you.

So peeping Toms can do what they want basically until someone finds out and asks them to stop. And Paedophiles can go snap happy at the playground unless someone asks them.
Quite concerning really

[Ethel]

If you are interested, there is an excellent .pdf download here that gives a detailed explanation of photographers rights and responsibilities:

http://www.sirimo.co.uk/ukpr.php

Voyeurs and paedophiles may not be committing privacy offences, but could still be guilty of other criminal offences.

Voyeurism is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Read ss. 67 and 68 here:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/acts2003/ukpga_200 30042_en_5#pt1-pb18-l1g67