Legal Question in Construction Law in Kentucky

pics without permission

I run a website for a local church, after events or activities I post pictures of those activities. Is it illegal or dangerous (liability) for me or our church to post pics of children/adults who attend and do not attend our church without their permission?


Asked on 11/02/05, 12:14 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Suzanne Van Wert Van Wert Brown

Re: pics without permission

I do not totally disagree with Mr. Owens, but think you need to be aware of the sensitivity around the issue of posting pictures of children on the internet. At the very least, the church needs to make sure the attendees at these gatherings are aware that pictures of their children will be posted on the Internet. You could open up a can of liability issues if something were to happen to a child because a predator found the child's picture on the church website and decided to make a visit.

To cut down on the liability issues surrounding online publication of pictures, simply put together a consent form for all the church members to sign. The form should indicate that by signing, these members are aware that their pictures, AND pictures of their children, will be posted online and will be available for viewing by the general public, and that they give their consent to post them online.

There may never be a problem, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Do not assume it is okay to post pictures of children, in any setting, on the internet, without the permission of the parents.

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Answered on 11/04/05, 8:40 am
Philip Owens Philip M. Owens, Attorney at Law

Re: pics without permission

Pictures taken in a public area can be posted and I would think that pictures taken at a gathering could be posted. Where the problem lies is when the person whose picture is taken expects privacy. I think that if you feel that you can tell that someone appeared or attended a function, then you should be able to post a picture of it.

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Answered on 11/02/05, 3:23 pm


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