Check permission before sharing someone’s photograph

Having a photograph on your phone does not automatically settle whether you may publish it. Permission and authority can depend on the person depicted, the source of the image, local rules, and the circumstances of the search. Resolve uncertainty through the appropriate people before public sharing.

Ask practical questions

Who supplied the image, and what did they agree it could be used for? Is the person able to consent? If not, who has appropriate authority, and are safeguarding professionals involved? Avoid treating a social-media post as blanket permission for every other platform.

A family member's willingness to share does not necessarily resolve all rights or safety questions. Seek relevant advice when the situation is unclear.

Consider everyone in the frame

Other people may appear in a group photo. An image may also reveal a private location or personal documents. Choose a suitable alternative or prepare an appropriate public copy while retaining the source separately.

• Intended purpose and destination of the image.
• Source and permission or authority relied on.
• Unrelated people or identifying details in the frame.
• A way to handle a later objection or correction.

Keep a small permission record

Record the permission or decision privately with the date and its scope. Do not publish consent messages or identity documents as proof to strangers.

Permission is not a permanent excuse to keep an appeal circulating after its purpose changes. Revisit the public use when contact is restored, a concern is raised, or the responsible authority advises a different approach.