Does my employer need my permission to take/display my photograph?

[TheLightSideOfTheMoon]

Have been informed that we have to have our photographs taken and put on display in the lobby at work. Most liiely slong with my name.

I'm not keen.

Dislike having my photograph taken anyway and REALLY don't want my mug up on the wall for all to see.

I like to keep a low profile and am not really a 'look at me' kind of person.

I feel very uncomfortable about this. Probably sounds like no big deal to some people but I'm very anxious about it.

Was hoping there's some kind of legal loophole getting me out of this.

I would refuse and would refuse to have one for website/promotional material as well. Not sure of the legal side of it but the only thing I'd have a photo of me for work was for a form of ID

I'm not sure about the legalities but your image being used in association with the company you work for is tricky - I used to work for a modelling agency and a model's image was their livelihood so it could never be used without consent.

I think you should decline and say for personal reasons and see if you are coerced in some way. Don't be bullied into it, just because your company is doing this doesn't me you have to go along with it as an employee (unless it's in your contract?).

Tell your boss you don’t want your photo published on the wall and to be there 24/7

We have pictures up of staff on the wards for patients and visitors. I've only ever had one nurse say no and interestingly she didn't get the promotion she went for. I guess it depends on the reasons they want it and the reason you don't. With colleague it was just one example of her refusal to follow any instruction or be a team player. As a stand alone thing it's less of a reflection on attitude.

You don't own your image. Anyone can take a photo of you and have it published, the copyright belongs to the photographer. Businesses, schools, train stations etc can refuse to let people take photos on their grounds which is where people get confused I think.

You can obviously refuse to attend the photography session so your photo is not taken but I would assume it would be viewed badly unless you had a very good reason (e.g. you were a victim of domestic violence who had escaped). And not liking having your photo taken is not a good reason, sorry.

Well, clearly they need permission, which you grant by showing up to the photoshoot and sitting there while they take your picture. But if you refuse to do this, then it may well be viewed as pretty poor form.

Why are they doing this? Is there a valid need for people coming into the lobby to see who you are/what you do/who they're meeting etc etc.?

Not sure the reason. Maybe they think it'll brighten up the lobby?

Might just wear 80's make up and big hair so I look different.

I live in a small town, awkward situation with ex, but it's massively unlikey anyone will see it.

I guess I can suck it up if I have no choice.

I've always had to sign paperwork to say I'm okay with this, is it possible you signed something like it when signing your contract? I've considered saying no because I don't like having my picture taken or displayed but in my job the customers need to know who is who and aren't really formally introduced (ridiculous I know). You could probably just refuse and if anybody asks the reason just say it's personal?

This gives an insight into the legalities especially under the GDPR.

If individual employees can be identified directly from their website image or identified by using the image in conjunction with other available information on the website then the image will be classed as personal data.

This means the employer’s processing of the image will be governed by GDPR and the image needs to be processed in accordance with its principles.