Minors post photos of others without permission: who pays the price

Published on June 09, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

Publishing a friend's photo without their consent is an everyday occurrence among teenagers. What many ignore is that this practice violates fundamental rights such as privacy and one's own image, protected by Spanish and European laws. The parents of the affected minor can demand the removal of the image and claim compensation, with the parents of the minor who disseminated the image being the civilly liable parties.

Photorealistic cinematic scene of two teenagers standing in a bedroom, one holding a smartphone displaying a photo of a friend, the other teen gesturing angrily while pointing at the phone screen. On a nearby desk, a laptop shows an open social media interface with a delete button highlighted. A tablet on the bed displays a legal document icon. The room has a poster of data privacy laws in the background. Dramatic side lighting, modern tech environment, tense action moment, ultra-detailed textures, realistic skin tones, shallow depth of field emphasizing the conflict over digital consent.

The written law against the algorithm that forgets everything 📜

The regulations are clear on paper, but the technical reality is different. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp lack a functional button for a parent to remove a photo shared by another minor. The legal process requires resources: a lawyer, evidence, and patience. Meanwhile, the image replicates across groups and servers. Judges rarely grant significant compensation, and the argument that they were just kids playing is often enough to close the case with an apology.

Influencer schools: consent is for parents, not for them 🏫

While you worry about what your child posts, it turns out the school itself has already uploaded photos of your offspring to Instagram under the umbrella of educational interest. Without explicit permission, of course. Because nothing educates more than using students as free content for the school's feed. Sure, if you complain, they will reply that it's for your own good and to stop being antisocial. Hypocrisy, like the photo, travels fast.