Filming in malls violates shopper privacy

TikTokers, YouTubers covertly shoot social media content in public places, disregard consent of families

LAHORE:

For landlocked flatlands like Lahore, malls serve not only as a one stop destination for shopaholics wishing to splurge but also act as a popular recreational spot for families seeking an escape from their monotonous routines however, as shopping plazas increasingly attract a growing number of social media influencers, frequenters never know when a banal trip to the mall might transform into a trending reel.

Over the past few years, streaming platforms like TikTok and YouTube have gained immense popularity among the masses in Pakistan, as they provide a globalized platform for entertainers seeking their fifteen minutes of fame, unskilled families looking for a source of income and content creators hoping to build a booming career.

However, like anything else with positives, social media too has a dark side, one where the urge to record every single moment coupled with the endless greed for views and dollars blinds content creators to the privacy rights of the surrounding people, who are enjoying their private time and are perfectly happy without strange cellphone cameras probing their clueless faces.

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“A few weeks ago, when I was at a mall with some friends, some YouTuber filmed me without my knowledge or permission and later uploaded the video onto his channel. Since, I belong to a conservative family, the video which was circulating on social media, created a lot of issues at home,” revealed a female student at a private institution in Lahore, who has been grounded by her family and is no longer allowed to pursue her education.

“In our society, many families disapprove of their daughters, sisters or wives appearing on social media. If a video of a woman is circulated online without her consent, it can create familial conflict and, in some cases, can even lead to disruptions in the marital life. All of this puts the affected woman in extreme psychological distress,” highlighted Fatima Tahir, a psychologist who felt that some social media influencers frequented malls and filmed women because they saw female shoppers as soft targets who can be used as clickbait on social media.

According to legal experts, taking a video of any citizen without their prior permission and sharing it on social media is a crime, which can be punished with imprisonment of up to three to five years.

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“Similarly, a fine of up to Rs5 million can also be imposed on the offender under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA),” revealed Zain Ali Qureshi, an advocate on cyber laws, who urged violated citizens to file a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing.

Speaking to The Express Tribune on the matter, a representative of the administration of a well-known shopping mall in Johar Town said, “No one, be it a television channel, YouTuber or TikToker is allowed to film videos in the mall without taking prior permission from the mall management.

We try our best to ensure that no video or photograph of any shopper is taken without their permission. If a customer in the shopping mall has any complaint in this regard, the security staff on duty immediately takes action.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2023.