Make it illegal to photograph minors in public spaces without the consent of a parent or legal guardian where the child is the main subject of the image, and prohibit the online sharing of such images without consent.

Current UK law allows photography in public, but smartphones and social media can let strangers capture and share images of children without parental or legal guardian consent. We think this creates serious safeguarding risks. Legislation should target images where a child is the main subject, ban online sharing without consent, and allow exceptions for parents, legal guardians, journalists, or public events, balancing child protection with freedom of expression.