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Filming strangers might feel like accountability, but it can do more harm than good—especially for marginalized communities.
In today’s hyper-documented world, pulling out your phone to record something feels almost instinctual. Whether it’s an argument on the train, someone having a public meltdown, or a heated moment at a protest—our reflex is to hit “record,” upload it, and let the internet do its thing.
But here’s the thing: not everyone can afford to go viral. Just because someone is in public doesn’t mean they’re safe being made public.
Let’s break down why filming strangers without their consent—especially those from marginalized communities—can do more harm than good.
Yes, someone may be standing on a sidewalk, but that doesn’t mean they’ve opted into being documented and broadcasted. For folks who are undocumented, survivors of violence, trans or nonbinary, or part of communities historically targeted by systems of surveillance—being caught on camera can be dangerous.
The International Committee of the Red Cross put it best in a 2024 report: taking photos or videos without informed consent can violate someone’s dignity and put them at serious risk. It’s not about legal loopholes—it’s about human respect.
When you film and post a stranger online, the world gets to judge them based on a few chaotic seconds. They don’t get to explain their side. They don’t get to consent. And often, they don’t even know they’ve been recorded.
The Brennan Center for Justice warns that unchecked surveillance—including the kind that comes from everyday people, not just law enforcement—often targets and harms marginalized groups most.
So while you might think you're “holding someone accountable,” the reality is: you might be amplifying harm.
At Cyber Collective, we’re all about digital practices rooted in care, consent, and community. So here’s our challenge for you:
If you see something, don’t default to filming it. Check in. Offer support. Think critically.
Because privacy isn’t just about what we keep to ourselves—it’s about how we choose to protect others, too.
Let’s shift the culture from surveillance to solidarity. From clicks to care. From clout to community.
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