25 signatures reached
To: Uk government
Protect rough sleepers and vulnerable people from being filmed or photographed without consent
People sleeping on our streets are human beings, not content for social media.
Across the UK, rough sleepers and vulnerable individuals are being filmed, photographed and posted online — often without their knowledge or consent. Faces, personal situations and even locations are being shared publicly while people are at their lowest point.
This needs to stop.
We are calling on the UK Government and UK Parliament to introduce stronger laws to protect rough sleepers and vulnerable people from being filmed, photographed or having their location shared without clear consent.
Dignity and privacy should not disappear just because someone is homeless.
If you believe vulnerable people deserve respect and protection, please sign and share this petition. Let’s push for a change in the law.
#ProtectTheVulnerable #HomelessNotContent #RespectAndDignity
Why is this important?
Three and a half years ago we started in a very small way. There were only a few of us, walking the streets with hot drinks and a few pot noodles, trying to help people who were sleeping rough. At the time we didn’t have much to give, but we shared what we had a warm drink, a conversation, and when possible a sleeping bag or tent to help someone get through the night.
From those small beginnings things slowly began to grow. More people became aware of what we were doing and started supporting us in different ways. Over the last eight months especially, the level of need we are seeing has increased dramatically, and so has the work we are doing to try and meet it.
Today we support not only rough sleepers on the streets, but also individuals who have been placed in hotels or emergency accommodation. We provide hot food, drinks, tents, sleeping bags, and basic supplies to help people stay warm and safe. We also try to guide people toward services, safe locations, and support that may help them move forward.
However, alongside this growing need, we are increasingly seeing something very concerning. Videos and photos of vulnerable people and the locations where they sleep are being posted on social media without their knowledge or consent. In many cases this appears to be done simply to gain views, followers, or financial gain.
For people who are already extremely vulnerable, this can put them at serious risk. Broadcasting locations or personal situations can expose them to exploitation, violence, or harassment. These are human beings who deserve dignity, privacy, and safety not to be turned into content.
Our aim has always been to support people, protect their wellbeing, and treat them with respect. Raising awareness is important, but it should never come at the cost of someone’s safety.
