Quiz
Time: 10–20 min
Tools: Computer or tablet
Goal: Understand rules concerning photography and image use.
Transversal competences: L3, L5, L7
Which of the following statements are true?
1. It is allowed to photograph people in public spaces without their consent.
2. It is allowed to photograph people in private spaces without their consent.
3. It is allowed to photograph public sculptures.
4. It is allowed to share a screen shot in a chat message without permission.
5. Different countries have different rules for photographing in public spaces.
Correct answers:
1. True and false. According to Finnish law, you can photograph adults in a public space without their permission. This right can be likened to freedom of speech. On the other hand, portraits of people are seen as personal information – and personal information cannot be published online without consent. Therefore, a good rule of thumb is to ask for permission to take a picture and to publish it. With minors you also need the permission of a guardian when publishing images.
2. False. When photographing in private spaces, you always need a permission from the owner. Private spaces are for example homes, yards and the indoor spaces of companies. Public spaces are places that everyone has free access too. Taking pictures is allowed in most public spaces, for example on the street, in parks and in most public buildings, with respect to the persons visiting the space.
3. True. However, if the artwork is the main subject of the image, the picture cannot be used in an earning purpose, for example on a postcard, without the permission of the artist.
4. True and false. The legality of taking screen shots and sharing them depends on many factors: the content, intended use and possible copyrights. The use of screen shots can be allowed under certain circumstances, such as private messaging and legal use. However, a screen shot and its use, should not infringe copyright and privacy.
5. True. Rules vary between different countries depending on law, culture and questions regarding privacy protection. For example, in France there are stricter rules than in Finland regarding taking pictures in a public place.