Legal Question in Technology Law in South Dakota

Publishing pictures on the internet

I have established web sites for a small mission church and a non-profit 501c3 corporation. I sometimes take pictures of the children who attend church functions or who come into my home. Do I have to get permission to publish these pictures on the websites? We do give people an opportunity to make donations on the website in support of the work we do here but not on the same page as posted pictures. We include first names and no other info. Do the same rules apply to a personal website as opposed to the church or the non profit website. The purpose for posting the pictures is to show supporters we actually do spend time and money on Christmas, Birthdays or activities & etc the for kids. when people donate money to a project they like to see pictures of the children with the Christmas stockings or presents or whatever. Thank you for your help.


Asked on 2/23/05, 4:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Brett Trout Brett J. Trout P.C.

Re: Publishing pictures on the internet

Unfortunately, you should get permission before taking or posting the pictures. If a child were to be targeted as a result of the posting, you can likely anticipate a lawsuit. The same rules apply to church websites as personal websites. Despite the purpose of the postings and the non-profit nature of your organization, you still would have some potential liability if one of the children were harmed as a result of the website posting.

Read more
Answered on 2/24/05, 2:16 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Computer & Technology Law questions and answers in South Dakota