i'm in Illinois, and I recently dealt with a dog rescue organization that was posting mean things about me on social media. I was able to get some of it taken down, but I just went on their regular website and they have posted a picture that includes me without my consent. How can I get this taken down? I can't ask the director of this rescue/main contributor to the website because she is volatile and would most likely lash out more. What can I do?
How can you get a photo, that
includes you in the photo, removed from the website? I am not at all sure you can.
What sort of photo is this?
Is it a photo that shows many people at a dog rescue organization event? Or is it a photo showing volunteers at work, with you one of several volunteers pictured?
Is the photo focused on you alone?
Is the photo being used for a commercial purpose, for the solicitation of donations?
Does the photo have a caption that names you as one who is connected with the organization, or otherwise mentions your name?
The publication of group shots taken in a public place, photos where no one single person is focused, violate no privacy rights or rights of publicity laws. If you were a part of the organization at the time the photo was taken, the organization can use the photo - as long as the organization is not using the photo to demean you or defame you or to trade off your good name in a commercial manner (i.e., using your fame or community connections as a way to promote the organization).
Depending on the type of photo, you either have to work with the organization and their good nature to get the photo of you removed, or you have the possibility of a legal action (that would probably cost more to pursue than you could ever hope to gain).
