It is not straight forward - Under GDPR, activist / member of public is exempt from data laws if they use a dashcam/mobile phone camera for personal security. The moment they publish that footage to a public social media page, they lose this exemption and legally become a Data Controller, making them liable for data breaches.

The problem is the ICO cannot handle this and they do not engage and help because if they do, they will inodiated with thousands of requests daily and it is not practical therefore ICO focuses on corporate breaches where they can impose fines. The same applies to the police so the issue I believe lack of resources to tackle this problem. The only way to solve it is to make social media platforms accountable and they also only focus on serious breaches or stop public reporting all together just like we used to cope before.

I hope anyone has some advise to add.

Hi, I’m seeking some advice regarding an activist who filmed me while I was holding a mobile phone while my car was stationary at a traffic light.

I have admitted the offence and fully accept that I should not have been using the phone. I regret doing so.

However, the individual has now posted the video of me twice on X, together with my identifying/vehicle details and the location where the incident occurred. I am extremely distressed about this and concerned that publishing these details could potentially expose me to unwanted attention or targeting.

I appreciate that this is not straightforward, as the filming took place in a public place and the individual may argue that the publication is in the public interest. Nevertheless, do I have any right to ask X to remove the video, particularly given that it has been reposted and contains information that could identify me?

I would be grateful for any advice on whether there are grounds for requesting removal under X’s privacy policies or applicable data-protection law.

Thank you.