Ban non consensual public photography of people in swimwear
The Issue
We call on the UK Government to strengthen laws protecting people from targeted, non-consensual photography and filming while wearing swimwear in public recreational settings.
On 25 May 2026, I was videod without my consent while wearing swimwear in a public setting. The experience left me feeling uncomfortable, exposed, and concerned about what may happen to those images. I have no way of knowing whether they were deleted, retained, shared with others, altered using modern technology, or uploaded online. The uncertainty has had a lasting impact on my wellbeing.
Current laws often focus on how images are used after they have been taken. While certain forms of harassment, voyeurism, or unlawful image sharing may already be offences, proving misuse can be extremely difficult. Images can be stored, shared privately, distributed anonymously, or uploaded online without the knowledge of the person depicted. In many cases, individuals may never discover that their image has been circulated.
The widespread availability of smartphones, high-resolution cameras, social media platforms, and artificial intelligence has increased the ease with which images can be captured and distributed in ways that existing legislation was not designed to address. We believe the law should place greater emphasis on preventing harm before it occurs, rather than relying on victims to prove misuse after the fact.
We therefore ask the Government to:
• Review existing legislation relating to non-consensual photography and filming in public recreational settings.
• Introduce stronger protections against targeted photography and filming of individuals in swimwear without their consent.
• Consider creating a specific offence where a person intentionally photographs or films an identifiable individual in swimwear without consent.
Everyone should be able to enjoy beaches, swimming areas, rivers, and other public recreational spaces without fear of being singled out, photographed, or filmed without their consent. We urge the Government to update the law to better protect privacy, dignity, and personal safety in the digital age
Please sign this petition to urge lawmakers to strengthen privacy protections and ensure everyone feels secure and respected in any attire, anywhere.
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The Issue
We call on the UK Government to strengthen laws protecting people from targeted, non-consensual photography and filming while wearing swimwear in public recreational settings.
On 25 May 2026, I was videod without my consent while wearing swimwear in a public setting. The experience left me feeling uncomfortable, exposed, and concerned about what may happen to those images. I have no way of knowing whether they were deleted, retained, shared with others, altered using modern technology, or uploaded online. The uncertainty has had a lasting impact on my wellbeing.
Current laws often focus on how images are used after they have been taken. While certain forms of harassment, voyeurism, or unlawful image sharing may already be offences, proving misuse can be extremely difficult. Images can be stored, shared privately, distributed anonymously, or uploaded online without the knowledge of the person depicted. In many cases, individuals may never discover that their image has been circulated.
The widespread availability of smartphones, high-resolution cameras, social media platforms, and artificial intelligence has increased the ease with which images can be captured and distributed in ways that existing legislation was not designed to address. We believe the law should place greater emphasis on preventing harm before it occurs, rather than relying on victims to prove misuse after the fact.
We therefore ask the Government to:
• Review existing legislation relating to non-consensual photography and filming in public recreational settings.
• Introduce stronger protections against targeted photography and filming of individuals in swimwear without their consent.
• Consider creating a specific offence where a person intentionally photographs or films an identifiable individual in swimwear without consent.
Everyone should be able to enjoy beaches, swimming areas, rivers, and other public recreational spaces without fear of being singled out, photographed, or filmed without their consent. We urge the Government to update the law to better protect privacy, dignity, and personal safety in the digital age
Please sign this petition to urge lawmakers to strengthen privacy protections and ensure everyone feels secure and respected in any attire, anywhere.
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Petition created on 31 May 2026