Can I post photos of other people in Hungary?
Only with consent — the Civil Code protects images twice: at the click and at the post. Photos of recognisable people may be made and used (posted, storied) alike only with the subject's consent — consent can be implied (posing, waving at the camera), but in disputes you carry the proof. Two big exceptions: crowd shots (events, streetscapes where individuals appear as part of the mass, not singled out) and public appearances of public figures (politicians on stage) — no permission needed. Practice's minefields: children's photos (parental consent — both parents when separated, and the child's interest overrides), embarrassing or demeaning context (a lawfully taken photo becomes unlawful as a mockery post), and ex-partners' images — sharing intimate footage is a standalone crime. GDPR's household exemption shields the private album, not the public post.
📋 The key rules
- Recognisable people: both making AND using the photo needs consent
- Crowd shots and public appearances: no consent needed
- Implied consent (posing) exists — but you prove it in disputes
- Children's photos: parental consent (both, when separated) + the child's interest
- Demeaning, mocking context: even lawful photos become unlawful when posted
🔓 Exceptions
- Mass events and streetscapes: zooming in on an individual flips it back to consent territory
- Press and newsworthy reporting: portraying current events enjoys wider freedom
⚠️ Penalties
Posting without consent grounds personality-rights suits: takedown, injunctions, solatium damages (typically six figures HUF, more in serious cases). Sharing intimate images is a crime; child-photo abuse can draw the guardianship authority.
📎 Official sources
- Civil Code (Act V of 2013) — image and audio rights (HU) →
- Hungarian Courts · Photos and recordings: when and how (HU) →
- Data Protection Authority (NAIH) · Guidance and practice (HU) →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I post the group party photo?
If everyone knew the photo was being taken and went along (posed, didn't object), implied consent holds — but take it down when someone asks: consent is revocable.
Can I post a stranger photographed on the street?
Singled out and recognisable, no — streetscapes pass as crowd shots, but individual-focused images without consent are unlawful (the classic 'public shaming' post).
Can I post a photo showing my child's classmates?
You decide for your own child, their parents for the rest — ask the affected parents or blur the other children in class photos.
What if someone posted me without permission?
Demand takedown (documented), report on the platform, and if it stays: personality-rights claims — formal notice, then suit with solatium damages; for intimate images, police report.
🔎 What people actually search
Real search phrases for this topic.
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