Require consent for child images in political or controversial articles

75
signatures
closedDepartment for EducationOpened 26 January 2026Closed 26 July 2026

Background

I want the Government to ban children’s images being used in political or controversial news stories without explicit, informed parental consent, and to amend media regulations so that consent can be withdrawn and children are better protected from online harm.

Additional details

Some parents have experienced their child’s photo being taken from one story and reused to illustrate a political article, which can remove anonymity and lead to online hostility and distress. I believe current rules do not adequately protect children from this type of repurposing and exposure.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 753169.