Is it illegal to take a picture of someone without them knowing?

[Kimberley]

My friend took a photo of me without me knowing then posted it on a social website without my permission. She posted it on snapchat btw. I'm worried because she sent it to people that I hate, boys, crushes etc. Now they have all seen it and they can screenshot it and show it to friends. I hated it and told her to take it off and she won't. I didn't want it on any social media, I don't want her to have that photo of me on her phone to show others, I don't want people to see, I don't want it to be on a social website and I didn't want or ask her for the picture to be taken. I said to her its illegal but I don't think she's convinced enough to take it off unless I have proof that its illegal. Thankyou if you reply

[Lou C. Ferr]

No. However, it becomes illegal if they sell it (for advertising purposes) without a model release.

[Mike]

plus once it was posted its on the web for everyone to see forever

[jaker]

If you are in public you have no expectation of privacy and anyone can take a picture of you for any reason.

[psychosolodiver]

Not if they are in public. If you hide a camera in a place where privacy is expected, then yes it is illegal.

[Amie]

I know in the US it is illegal but I would speak to local law enforcement. Even if it isn't i think she could get in trouble for harassment. But talk to local law enforcement and they should give you the right guidance because law are different everywhere so you never know like in the US different states may have very different laws.

[Olympics Fvk Yeah!]

it depends. no one is gonna know tho so its all good!

[Steve]

if you are in a public place and she took the picture then she is the legal owner of it and can do as wishes with it to a certain extent.

This is how the paparazzi operate, how they can print pics of anybody etc in their papers.

However if the pictures are of an offensive nature or are being used intentionally to cause suffering/harm/embarrassment to you or for profit then they may be considered illegal.