Permission on old Photos

[Helena]

I am writing a book on the history of my son's school as it is nearly the 70th anniversery. I have been sent a lot of old photos of the school pupils over the 70 years and Ihave obtained permission from the local paper who took most if not all of them (football teams, staff etc) I was told today that I also need permission of the people in the photos to use them in the book! Is this correct. I will not be naming the people just descriptions as I am aware of the data protcetion act. Are there any web sites to assist with this?


Helena

[CopyrightAid]

Hi Helena

An individual does have some rights to object to the use of their images though this would normally only be valid if the image portrays them in a defamatory manner. On a negative note, I am aware that the general legal trend is heading more towards the privacy of the subject and more recently legal rulings do seem to be taking a harder line - this is very much an evolving area.

Personally, I doubt that you would run into any problems, but as I presume this is for a commercial project I would still have to advise that you at least discuss this with a solicitor before publishing.

[Helena]

I am not gaining anything from the book - it is all for the school. they will pay for the printing, and get all the money so you could say it is for charity?