Protecting Privacy: The Dangers of Public Photography

In today’s digital age, the temptation to capture and share moments from daily life on social media is stronger than ever. However, taking pictures of people in public places and posting them without their consent can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable individuals.

One of the most significant concerns is the violation of privacy. Even though people in public spaces might not have a reasonable expectation of privacy, sharing their images online can still cause harm to children and adults alike.

When pictures of children are posted, for example, they may be exposed to the dangers of online predators. Posting images of children without parental consent, especially in an era where photos can go viral, poses a direct threat to their safety and well-being.

Moreover, there are adults whose safety depends on anonymity. For those in witness protection programmes, a single photo circulating online can compromise their location. This endangers their lives and the integrity of the legal cases they are involved in. Witness protection exists to shield people from threats, and unknowingly posting their image could undo years of effort in keeping them safe.

Similarly, women escaping abusive domestic situations often live in fear of being found by their abusers. Posting their image on social media can provide clues to their whereabouts, putting them in immediate danger. Even something as simple as a background landmark can be enough for a determined abuser to track them down.

The implications of being discovered can be profound. That is why I ask people not to take pictures of anyone and post them unless it’s of themselves.

There is another vital reason, and it involves me.

I’m one of those who don’t want to be found. You could inadvertently include me in the background of your next selfie, but I don’t want that. I require absolute anonymity. I want to continue living with the same freedoms you and everyone else enjoy.

I’m not a child or in a witness protection programme. I’m not trying to escape a violent partner, either. I’m a simple serial killer. I like knowing the people I hunt do not see me coming when I make my move. I also like knowing the authorities can’t track me through social media after I’m done.

The internet is vast, and once an image is shared, control over it is lost. To protect the privacy, safety, and security of others (including me), always be mindful of who is in your photos and consider the potential consequences before sharing them publicly.

I thank you in advance.

-Angel