Pictures - An Ethical issue within Not For Profit Organisations

A major function of PMH Foundation is sending out media releases, updating Facebook, creating campaigns and generating monthly newsletters. Pictures are an all important aspect if not a central part of these functions.

With the laws and regulations on picture taking PMH Foundation has to ensure consent is made by parents/patients before these photos are published.  An ethical issue that has been raised is the loophole of taking pictures within a public space, and if it is considered okay to use these pictures without consent.

It might be considered all right in the eyes of the law, though would it be ethically acceptable to use these pictures without informing the people within them?

As they deal with this issue daily, every time a picture is taken we have to make sure we ask for consent. Making the parent or guardian sign a consent form after the picture is taken. Though this can be hard to regulate when pictures are being taken at large and busy events. 

Im my opinion it is important to act ethically responsible is every situation. If a child's photo was the central component of a media release or campaign, it would be paramount to get consent. 

(Me with the other volunteers at the Stitches Bear Fair) 

Though I also feel that if the picture contains many children and parents from a distance, it could be deemed except able to use the photo if it was taken within a public space or event.  Though many people could argue this view. 

I found it helpful asking my internship what the rules and regulation were in regards to their picture sharing policy, just to cover myself when writing blogs or media releases. 

Please let me know if you have encountered the same issues and how your placement deals with the use of pictures.