By Fiifi NETTEY
In recent years, a concerning trend has arisen in Ghana and globally on social media and other platforms, where individuals routinely use their mobile phones to film videos or capture images without obtaining permission from those captured in the content. What was once regarded as standard politeness is now being overlooked in favor of social media fads and online visibility, causing unease for the average person who becomes a target.
This behavior is not only shocking and intrusive; it constitutes a blatant violation of an individual's basic right to privacy. No person should be photographed or recorded on video and then publicly shared without their awareness or permission. However, in today's digital era, the desire to become popular, profit from content, and earn money has caused many individuals to disregard the dignity and privacy of others.
Social media posts and viral content have led to significant damage for numerous people and families across the globe. Careers are ruined, feelings are broken, and lives are thrown into chaos—simply because someone chose to film and share without consent to generate profit.
Charles told me about his difficult experience. He was captured on video which was then uploaded online without his permission. He felt angry, upset, and extremely frustrated, particularly because he had no idea who took the footage. What hurt him the most was that he wasn't involved in the event being recorded and had no connection to it. Even though he acknowledged he was "lucky" to have been properly dressed at that moment, he strongly disagreed with the notion that someone could record him without his consent and share the video online.
The behavior of the so-called individual, who was allegedly from Russia and involved with some Ghanaian women, is highly concerning. Secretly recording people and distributing these videos on social media for financial gain, without their permission, is a blatant violation of their rights and privacy. This is a horrifying, morally wrong act, which is inhumane and disgraceful.
It is even more disheartening to witness individuals dismissing the issue casually, making light-hearted remarks, and accusing the women concerned. This could happen to anyone. What if it were your sister or a family member? Would you still find it amusing? Let's attempt to offer support to those you know, as they are going through a great deal.
Every individual has the right to lead their life according to their own preferences. What brings you joy may vary from one person to another. Nevertheless, no one should have the right to secretly capture others in private and share that content publicly without their approval or agreement. This behavior is not only immoral and inhumane but can also be illegal. It needs to be taken seriously, and the relevant authorities should look into the issue and ensure fairness for the women concerned.
In a different incident I came across online, a visitor was caught recording even after being informed by an officer that such activity was prohibited. The warning was disregarded, and the person kept live-streaming on Facebook, evidently violating the rights and privacy of others. These kinds of behaviors should not be overlooked. Such scenarios require proper consideration, and suitable actions need to be implemented against those responsible. This kind of behavior is occurring increasingly often, and officials must take action in the best interest of the public.
Kweku also shared his experience. As he explained, even if you explicitly ask people not to record you, some individuals still proceed. He mentioned an event at a hospital where a young man was capturing a private moment. When Kweku attempted to stop him, even warning of potential consequences, the recording persisted. To his surprise, Kweku ended up being featured in the video, which was subsequently uploaded online without his permission.
Samuel, for his part, expressed sorrow over the fact that numerous families have been separated due to videos and photos shared online without authorization or approval. In many instances, these images and clips distort the real events. The individuals impacted are frequently not given the opportunity to clarify what truly occurred, resulting in the public forming opinions based on incomplete or deceptive content. This has caused significant harm to many lives.
Mensah shared his experience with intense frustration. He mentioned that he was on a public transport and had fallen asleep, keeping his head straight up, when someone secretly filmed him because he was snoring. The video was eventually uploaded online. Surprisingly, it was his own daughter who found the video and informed him about it. "My brother, this is really bad and heartbreaking," he said. "How could someone do this to me?"
As per Mensah, social media is heading in a concerning direction, and immediate steps need to be implemented to address this reckless and unacceptable conduct.
Mr. Osbert Nii Okaitey Okaitey, an IT specialist, states that the monetization of social media is a key factor leading many people to breach boundaries and infringe on others' privacy. The production of content has turned into a revenue stream, particularly through videos and images, with posts that receive significant views often generating income. This monetary motivation drives some individuals to capture photos or record videos without notifying the people involved. Despite being aware of the laws related to privacy, many still decide to take the risk and deal with the outcomes.
Mr. Okaitey mentioned that, in certain cases, images or videos captured and shared randomly have assisted security agencies in locating some criminals when necessary. However, it is crucial to recognize that the commercialization of social media has greatly changed the landscape of privacy rights. Consequently, individuals should be vigilant in public areas, particularly during unforeseen circumstances, and stay aware constantly. As someone could be recording or broadcasting live.
During a discussion with a security analyst who wished to remain unidentified, he stated that secretly recording individuals in Ghana could be against the law, depending on the situation. He pointed out that the 1992 Constitution protects each person's right to privacy, and capturing someone's private life or conversation without their permission might constitute a breach of this right.
He also mentioned that according to the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), images, videos, and audio materials that can recognize an individual are considered personal data. Therefore, gathering, utilizing, or distributing this information typically needs the individual's approval. Uploading such content online without authorization could, consequently, be illegal.
As per the analyst, secretly capturing private conversations—especially phone calls or confidential discussions—is typically against the law and could result in criminal penalties. He further noted that these recordings might not be accepted as valid evidence in court. Although recording in public areas like streets, buses, and markets is not inherently illegal because of reduced privacy expectations, he warned that distributing or sharing such recordings online without permission can still violate privacy and data protection regulations, particularly if the content humiliates, misrepresents, or harms the individual involved.
In basic terms, he emphasized that capturing or sharing images of individuals without their permission—particularly in private settings—is dangerous and could be illegal in Ghana. Permission, intent, and situation are essential factors, and the fact that a recording was made in a public area does not necessarily make it legal to share online.
The rules of international law regarding the secret recording of individuals—particularly in private environments—are typically seen as a breach of the right to privacy. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 12) mentions that "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks." Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)—Article 17 states that "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home, or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks."
With the increasing digitization of our society, protecting people's right to privacy has become more crucial than ever. Capturing and distributing content should never undermine a person's dignity. Personal limits should always be respected—regardless of whether it's in the digital or physical world. It is essential to develop a routine of asking for permission and securing consent prior to sharing or streaming on social media platforms. After a reputation is harmed, it can be very challenging—if not impossible—to completely repair it.
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