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Hayleigh Bosher, Senior Lecturer in Intellectual Property Law, Brunel University London

A video of you goes viral without your consent – what does the law say?

Privacy law doesn't do much to protect you from being photographed in public, but there are nuances. FGC / Shutterstock

Going viral was once a dream for creative types hoping to make it big on YouTube. But in the age of livestreaming and public shaming, it’s now the stuff of nightmares. TikTok trends, pranks and even “acts of kindness” have led to people finding accidental viral fame without their consent, or even their knowledge.

If you’ve been filmed or photographed and gone viral, you may be wondering if there is any legal action you can take. In many areas the law has not caught up with technology and the social trends that come with it – but in certain circumstances it may be on your side.

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