Loved ones of a woman from Windsor are requesting the removal of photographs taken of her during a period of drug addiction from social media. The woman, Alicia Newman, passed away several years ago, and her family finds the images distressing, preferring that she be remembered differently.
Despite efforts to contact the photographer for the removal of the images, the family has faced unresponsiveness and blocks. This situation has shed light on deficiencies in Canada’s privacy regulations that have not adapted to the digital era.
Alicia Newman, as described by her twin brother Devin Newman, was a caring individual who faced challenges after a serious car accident in Paris, Ont., which led to drug involvement and subsequent struggles with addiction and mental health issues upon moving to Windsor. Tragically, Alicia passed away in 2018 at the age of 37 due to drug-related health complications.
Photographer Donnie Johnston, with a substantial following on social media, posted photos of Alicia, including one with a caption insinuating she was a sex worker. Despite the family’s requests, the images remain online, causing emotional distress and a feeling of violation among Alicia’s relatives.
The family’s concerns extend to other photos on Johnston’s page depicting vulnerable individuals in compromising situations. They emphasize that Alicia, grappling with bipolar disorder, would not have consented to such exposure.
The family’s advocacy seeks to reclaim Alicia’s narrative and protect others from exploitation online. Legal experts highlight the lack of protection for vulnerable individuals in Canada’s current privacy laws, particularly concerning public photography. Calls for legal reform and increased dignity and image control for individuals in the digital age are mounting.
In the realm of street photography, ethical responsibilities are paramount. Photography expert Michèle Pearson Clarke stresses the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of subjects, especially when capturing images of unhoused individuals. While raising awareness is crucial, it should not come at the expense of individual dignity.
Alicia’s family’s plea for the removal of the photos reflects their desire to preserve her memory in a more positive light, underscoring the challenges faced when addressing privacy violations in the digital landscape.