I was targeted and humiliated by The County Press. They used an old Facebook picture of mine, along with a clickbait headline, completely unnecessarily. This was an affront to my privacy and a blatant abuse of their power to intimidate me. It left me feeling exposed, helpless, and violated. No one should have to endure this kind of treatment from the media.

Local newspapers have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and respect the privacy of the individuals they report on. However, many papers have been resorting to using Facebook pictures or pictures taken without the explicit consent of the owner. This has become an unacceptable norm, causing harm and distress to countless individuals who find their images and personal stories splashed across the pages without their permission.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 60% of Americans believe their online information is used without their consent. The media must stop exacerbating this problem by fishing for personal images on social media platforms like Facebook, especially since these images are often taken out of context.

There are clear solutions to this issue. Local newspapers should commit to acquiring written consent from individuals before using their images in any publication. Implementing a strict policy of image rights and consent will not only protect the integrity of the media but also safeguard the dignity of the individuals they report on.

We call on editors, journalists, and media outlets to respect the privacy and rights of their subjects. Join us in demanding change to ensure a more responsible, ethical future for journalism. Your signature can help bring about this crucial change. Sign this petition and urge local newspapers to stop using Facebook pictures or any pictures without the owner's consent.