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A photo of you published without permission? Your right to your own image

A photo of you appears without your consent on social media, on a website, or in a group? In principle, images of you may only be distributed with your consent. You can demand deletion and an injunction.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Demand deletion / an injunction

Your chances of getting your money back

Under the right to your own image (§ 22 KUG), images of you may in principle only be distributed or shown publicly with your consent. You can demand deletion and an injunction.
There are exceptions (for example, persons of contemporary history, images of assemblies, incidental accessories). Private or everyday photos of you, however, generally do not fall under these.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Secure evidence

    Take screenshots (with the URL and date) before you do anything, in case the image is deleted later.

  2. 2

    2. Demand deletion / an injunction

    Ask the person or site in writing to remove the image and to refrain from it in future, with a deadline.

  3. 3

    3. Report it to the platform

    Additionally report the image to the platform (report function) and demand its removal.

  4. 4

    4. In case of persistence

    If no one responds, a claim for an injunction and possibly damages come into consideration; then get legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

May someone post a photo of me without permission?

In principle no. Under § 22 KUG, images of you may only be distributed or shown publicly with your consent. Without consent you can demand deletion and an injunction, unless a statutory exception applies.

What can I do about a photo in a WhatsApp group?

Your right to your own image applies here too. Ask the person to delete the image and not to spread it further. Secure screenshots as evidence beforehand. In case of harassment or distribution, a criminal report can additionally come into consideration.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.