{"id":352669,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/online-scams\/is-it-safe-to-post-photos-of-your-kids-online.html"},"modified":"2024-01-10T01:07:56","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T06:07:56","slug":"is-it-safe-to-post-photos-of-your-kids-online","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/online-scams\/is-it-safe-to-post-photos-of-your-kids-online.html","title":{"rendered":"Is It Safe To Post Photos of Your Kids Online?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Is It Safe To Post Photos of Your Kids Online?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

No, sharing photos of your children online isn’t always safe. Posting pictures and information can risk your child’s security despite the best intentions. But there are a few ways to manage the risks.<\/p>\r\n

Parenthood is a thrilling journey full of firsts: the first steps, the first word, the first day of school. Parents often want to share these milestones with friends and family members on social media.<\/p>\r\n

You can set boundaries with privacy settings, but some limits are beyond parents’ control. There are several factors to consider before you post pictures and details about your children.<\/p>\r\n

Who Can See the Photos of Your Kids?<\/h2>\r\n

Anyone might eventually see a photo of your child online. An innocent post of a child’s life story may end up in the hands of someone who does not have the child’s best interest at heart.<\/p>\r\n

Your privacy settings don’t always guarantee that you can control who sees your photos. It only takes one person to repost your image elsewhere online before others can access it.<\/p>\r\n

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can’t stop other users from downloading your content or taking screenshots. Temporary photo-sharing features like Snapchat and Instagram Stories don’t prevent this possibility either.<\/p>\r\n

Do Family Photos Have Copyright Protection?<\/h2>\r\n

Yes, you hold the rights to your photos, but online publication can change the specific type of protection you have. A photo of your child’s day at the zoo is technically a creative work under copyright laws<\/a>. Taking the picture gives you full ownership rights.<\/p>\r\n

Digital images are easy to download or copy, but users can’t violate your copyright. Other people wouldn’t usually have the right to distribute your photo without your permission or fair use<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Yet, using a website might give permission to use your photo according to its terms and privacy policy. The terms typically let the website distribute pictures to people who view your profile or content.<\/p>\r\n

Yet, the terms may also grant extra uses of your photo without asking you directly. For example, the website might let other users share your photos with their own social network. Or, the website may share users’ photos with advertisers.<\/p>\r\n

Identity Theft of Children<\/h2>\r\n

Photos of children have been used for cybercrimes. For example, digital kidnapping involves someone taking a child’s photo and creating a fake account in their name. The creator might use the account for illegal or unethical purposes, such as running a scam.<\/p>\r\n

Identity thieves may also comb your social media account for details like photos of the places you’ve lived. They can use this information to pretend to be you or your child outside social media.<\/p>\r\n

Crimes Concerning Photos of Children<\/h2>\r\n

In a worst-case scenario, child predators may find the photo. Report cases of child sexual abuse<\/a>, including explicit images, to a law enforcement agency. You can also seek to take down illegal or misused photos through a child protection organization like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

How To Protect Your Digital Photos Online<\/h2>\r\n

Many factors can raise or lower your risk when posting online. Below are a few tips to protect the privacy and safety of your child’s photos.<\/p>\r\n

Manage Your Social Media Accounts With Caution<\/h3>\r\n

Check the privacy settings on your profiles. Though they aren’t foolproof, they can help reduce risk. For example, consider only making your posts and photos visible to people you have personally approved.<\/p>\r\n

Read the Terms of Service<\/a> (TOS) fine print on photo-sharing websites and other social networks. Check how the terms allow the company to use and reproduce your photos.<\/p>\r\n

Share Photos Through Private Channels<\/h3>\r\n

The best way to keep photos private is to limit access. If you want to share your toddler’s cute fingerpainting photo with grandparents, consider sending it to them directly.<\/p>\r\n

Private options like email or text messages can lower the chance your picture might end up in strangers’ hands. Many photo-sharing websites also let you set up password protection or invitation-only access. These options help ensure strangers and search engines can’t find your photos.<\/p>\r\n

Remove Information From Photo Files<\/h3>\r\n

Your camera or phone might be tracking \u2014 and communicating \u2014 more than you know. Devices typically record metadata<\/a> for every image you take. Metadata can include details like the camera or settings you used. It can also capture the time and location.<\/p>\r\n

Most users never see this data because it hides in the image file properties. Yet, people hunting for more details about your family may uncover it.<\/p>\r\n

Check your device settings to turn off identifying details like geotagging. Otherwise, it is possible to manually delete this information after taking the picture.<\/p>\r\n

Check for Other Sensitive Information<\/h3>\r\n

Some of the details you may want to exclude from any online sharing can include:<\/p>\r\n