Getting consent when filming other people

By Con, founder of Music Wide Selfie · Updated 22 October 2026

Short answerAsk before you film people up close or post them, especially children, people in vulnerable situations, and people at work. Make it easy to say no, blur or crop people who didn’t agree, and remove footage if someone asks.

When to ask

Close-ups of anyone.
Children (ask a parent or guardian).
People at work, in gyms, clinics or schools.
Anyone in a vulnerable moment.

How

A simple ‘Is it OK if I film this for my page?’ works. Accept no gracefully.

After

Blur faces you don’t have permission for, and take posts down if asked.

The law

Rules on filming and publishing people differ by country and place. This isn’t legal advice.

Questions

What about crowds in the background?

Generally fine in many places, but avoid focusing on individuals without permission.

About Music Wide Selfie

An iPhone camera app for people who film themselves, coming soon to the App Store. One email when it launches.

One email when the app is ready. Nothing else.