WHY IT MATTERS
Family vloggers do not only record themselves. Friends, relatives, classmates, other children and members of the public may also appear in footage.
Copyright and privacy are separate issues. Copyright can arise from music, artwork, television footage or material created by other people, while filming identifiable individuals can raise privacy, consent, safeguarding or data-protection concerns depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction.
1. ASK PERMISSION WHERE APPROPRIATE
Especially consider consent when filming guests, private gatherings or other people’s children.
2. PROTECT OTHER CHILDREN
A parent choosing to publish their own child does not automatically mean other families have made the same decision.
3. BLUR OR CROP WHEN NECESSARY
Editing can prevent uninvolved people from becoming identifiable parts of the content.
4. WATCH COPYRIGHTED BACKGROUND MATERIAL
Television, music, artwork and other media may create separate copyright issues.
5. USE LICENSED MUSIC AND ASSETS
Commercial content should use material that the creator has appropriate rights to use.
6. UNDERSTAND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SETTINGS
Rules and reasonable expectations can differ depending on where filming occurs.
7. USE APPROPRIATE AGREEMENTS FOR COLLABORATIONS
More formal commercial productions may benefit from clear permissions and releases.
8. FOLLOW SCHOOL AND VENUE RULES
Schools, clubs, attractions and private venues may impose their own restrictions on filming and publication.
9. KEEP PERMISSIONS AND LICENSES ORGANIZED
Good records can help demonstrate what was authorized.
10. WHEN UNSURE, DON’T PUBLISH FIRST AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER
Edit the material, obtain appropriate permission or seek advice before uploading.
BOTTOM LINE
Being able to point a camera at something does not automatically give you every right needed to publish it.