Is it illegal to take a picture of someone without their permission in Canada?

Asked by: Luther Swaniawski  |  Last update: April 30, 2025
Score: 5/5 (26 votes)

It is a very flexible privacy law, leaving it's interpretation open to the courts. This means that publishing a photo of a person, without their consent, may be considered a breach of privacy. Though since the law is flexible, it could be argued that as little as taking a photo of a person is a breach of privacy.

Can someone take a picture of me without my consent in Canada?

In Canada, it is NOT illegal for anyone to take a picture or video of another person in a public space without their consent no matter what the age of person whose image is being captured. This includes situations where the subject of the photo is a child.

Can you go to jail for taking a picture of someone without their permission?

It is legal to photograph or videotape anything and anyone on any public property, within reasonable community standards.

Can I sue someone for taking a picture of me without consent?

It can be challenging to file a lawsuit against a stranger who takes your photo while you are on public property. However, you may have a case if this person took your picture on private property. A restaurant, bar, or event posts your photo.

Can someone take you picture me without my consent?

If a stranger takes photos on public property, such as at a park or on a city street, you are giving your consent by being in a public area. If someone you do not know takes pictures of you on private property, you may have some rights according to the rules of the private property.

Is it Legal to Take Photos of People in the Street?

24 related questions found

What is it called when someone takes a picture of you without your consent?

Invasion of Privacy: If the photo was taken in a way that violates your right to privacy, such as by using a telephoto lens to capture intimate moments from afar, you may have legal recourse.

Can you force someone to delete pictures of you?

In the United States, statutes protecting privacy and intellectual property rights can be used to make someone take down photos of you under certain circumstances.

What to do if someone posts a picture of you without your permission?

You may want to contact local law enforcement to see if it's illegal to post things like this in your state or country. If you want to pursue legal action, you may need a screenshot or other record of the post.

Why would someone drive by my house and take a picture?

It could be that the person taking the photos is a burglar scouting the area, but another common reason may be that the person taking photos is a real estate professional at work.

Is it illegal to take pictures of a minor without consent?

Your child has the same right to privacy as an adult does. No one can photograph or film your child in a location where he or she believes himself or herself to be alone, even if alone with his friends. For example, if the child is in a sandbox at a public park, a photographer can take his or her picture.

Do you need permission to use someone's photo?

If you're using an image for personal or commercial reasons, you will need to consider getting permission and/or paying to use the image.

Is it legal to take a picture of someone's driver's license?

Ordinarily, yes. A person's driver license photo will usually be protected by state laws that prohibit unofficial uses by government entities, as well as use by private/commercial organizations. But, in an emergency situation, or if you are wanted by police, that photo can be plastered everywhere by the media.

Can someone film my house without permission?

In two-part consent states like California, Florida or Michigan, both or all sides need to give their consent to have their conservation recorded. It is never legal to record a conversation where no one is giving consent.

Is it illegal for my neighbor to take pictures of me?

- In California, the invasion of privacy law prohibits intruding upon someone's private space or affairs.

What to do if someone is sharing pictures of you?

Contact the Website or Platform Hosting the Photos or Videos
  1. Report the Content: Most social media platforms and websites have policies against sharing nudity or intimate images. ...
  2. Issue a DMCA Takedown Notice: If you took the photos or videos yourself, you own the copyright.

Is a picture considered personal information?

Is a photo considered PII? The GDPR does not explicitly include a photograph as part of the definition of PII. However, any information that can be used to identify an individual, such as a facial image, may be considered personal data depending on its context and purpose.

Can someone take a picture of me in my yard?

It is generally OK for people to take photographs at any public place or any private place that they own or rent. Being present on someone else's private property generally requires the property owner's consent to take photos. You would also need permission to be there in the first place, or you'd be trespassing.

Is it a crime to drive by someone's house?

A pattern of following someone and showing up wherever he or she happens to be is often referred to as "traditional stalking." This can include repeatedly driving by or showing up at the victim's home, school, or place of work, often in violation of a protective court order.

How do you know if someone is watching you outside your house?

11 Signs Someone Might Be Watching Your Home
  1. Frequent Walkers with Suspicious Behavior. ...
  2. Unusual Photography Activity. ...
  3. Light Bulb Tampering. ...
  4. Suspicious Vehicles. ...
  5. Strangers Asking for Odd Favors. ...
  6. Unfamiliar Service Workers. ...
  7. Markings on Your Property. ...
  8. Mysterious Flyers and Stickers.

Can I sue someone for posting a picture of me without my consent?

You could bring a lawsuit by accusing the defendant of an invasion of privacy by appropriation of your likeness, a process known as right to publicity. This law allows you to control and profit from the commercial use of your image, name and persona or your identity.

What happens if someone takes your property without your permission?

If someone takes your property without your permission, it amounts to theft under the law. The perpetrator can face penalties varying from fines to imprisonment based on the gravity of the offense and the value of the stolen property.

Is it illegal for someone to take a picture of you and post it?

In the United States it is legal to photograph or video record people in public without consent of anyone. you can even do so from your own property and record the public street.

Can you stop someone from taking pictures of you?

If you see someone taking your photo without your permission, it's your right to ask him or her to stop. If you're undressed and someone is taking your photo, put in a call to the police. Not only are you making sure your rights are intact, you're also making the dressing room a little safer for the rest of the world.

Can I sue someone for not deleting pictures of me?

An individual could be ordered to pay damages in a civil lawsuit against them or might even face jail time or a hefty fine.

Are pictures permanently gone when you delete?

permanently deleted forever. Photos and videos that were permanently deleted can't be restored. Learn how to turn on backup. If you no longer want to see a photo or video in your Google Photos gallery view but don't want to delete it, you can move items to Archive.