Image Use and Consent Policy

PLATFORM BANGLADESH Image Use and Consent Policy

Introduction

At PLATFORM BANGLADESH, we are deeply committed to upholding the dignity and privacy of individuals and communities whose stories we document and share. As part of our mission to foster neutrality, independence, and impartiality, our use of images aligns with the concept of témoignage—bearing witness to the challenges and needs of those we serve.

This Image Use and Consent Policy sets forth our ethical guidelines for the creation, storage, and dissemination of photographs and videos, ensuring transparency and respect for those whose stories we tell.


1. Understanding Témoignage and Our Ethical Responsibility

Témoignage, derived from the French word “témoigner” (to bear witness), is integral to our mission of advocacy. Through visual documentation—testimonies, photographs, videos, and other media—we aim to:

  • Highlight Critical Needs: Showcase exclusion from essential services like healthcare, clean water, and food, while addressing the broader impacts of crises such as epidemics, natural disasters, and conflicts.
  • Promote Dignity: Share the strength, resilience, and stories of individuals and communities while emphasizing the positive impact of PLATFORM BANGLADESH's interventions.

Our visual storytelling is rooted in ethical practices, ensuring respect, dignity, and accuracy.


2. Ethical Guidelines for Image Use

2.1 Respectful Representation

  • All individuals are depicted with dignity, respect, and authenticity.
  • Images avoid perpetuating stereotypes, showcasing subjects as resilient human beings rather than objects of pity.
  • Focus remains on the humanity and strength of both patients and staff.

2.2 Contextual Accuracy

  • Each image is accompanied by accurate details such as location, time, and context, ensuring transparency.
  • In advertisements or fundraising campaigns, where detailed context cannot be provided, images are chosen to minimize potential misinterpretation.

2.3 Avoidance of Harmful Imagery

  • Images that depict individuals in visible pain or distress are only used when necessary to communicate the gravity of a situation. In such cases:
  • Care is taken to focus on the care and relief being provided.
  • The intent is to inspire understanding and compassion, not discomfort.

2.4 Crowd Photography

  • Crowd images are used sparingly to illustrate the scale of a crisis while preserving individual anonymity.
  • Close-up shots of individuals in crowd settings are only used with consent.

2.5 Portrait Photography

  • Portraits often highlight the contributions of PLATFORM BANGLADESH healthcare workers and community members. These images serve to educate and connect audiences with our mission.


3. Consent Processes

Consent is central to our ethical image use policy. All individuals featured in our visuals have the right to understand, agree, and withdraw their participation.

3.1 Obtaining Consent

  • Before capturing images, our photographers or communication professionals clearly explain:
  • The purpose of the photography or videography.
  • How the images may be used (e.g., reports, campaigns, digital platforms).
  • The subject's right to refuse without impacting the care or support they receive.
  • Consent is documented through:
  • Signed Consent Forms: Preferred method for clear record-keeping.
  • Recorded Verbal Consent: Accepted in situations where literacy may be a barrier.

3.2 Special Considerations

  • For minors (under 18 years): Consent is obtained from a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.
  • For individuals with limited capacity to consent (due to trauma, disability, or other factors): Consent is sought from a legal guardian or trusted representative.

3.3 Withdrawal of Consent

  • Subjects may withdraw consent at any time.
  • Contact details for local PLATFORM BANGLADESH offices are included in consent forms, allowing individuals to revoke permission.
  • Consent automatically expires after five years to ensure ongoing respect for individual privacy and relevance of imagery.


4. Usage Rights and Restrictions

4.1 Internal Database

  • All images and videos are securely stored in PLATFORM BANGLADESH's internal database.
  • Content older than five years is restricted to internal use and requires special approval for external dissemination.

4.2 No Commercial Use

  • PLATFORM BANGLADESH does not sell or profit from any visual content.
  • Images are never used for commercial purposes such as prints, stock photos, or art sales.

4.3 External Access

  • Limited access to images may be granted to:
  • Contractors (e.g., designers, media professionals).
  • Academics or researchers.
  • Media agencies.
  • External users must adhere to PLATFORM BANGLADESH’s ethical guidelines. Failure to comply may result in termination of contracts or blacklisting.


5. Ethical Guidelines for Photographers

Photographers—whether staff, freelancers, or press agency professionals—are required to uphold PLATFORM BANGLADESH's ethical standards:

  • Prioritize the safety, dignity, and comfort of all subjects.
  • Avoid coercion and ensure full understanding of the purpose of photography.
  • Capture images that respect the cultural sensitivities of Bangladesh.

Photographers contracted by external press agencies are briefed on these guidelines. While PLATFORM BANGLADESH cannot control the subsequent use of press agency images, steps are taken to ensure ethical documentation during the assignment.


6. Storage and Accessibility of Photos

6.1 Secure Storage

  • PLATFORM BANGLADESH maintains a secure media database to store all images and videos, including archival content.
  • Access to sensitive content is restricted to designated staff members to prevent unauthorized usage.

6.2 Expired Content

  • Visual content older than five years is marked as expired and restricted to internal access.
  • Special approval is required for public use of expired material to ensure ongoing alignment with ethical standards.


7. Accountability and Monitoring

7.1 Periodic Audits

  • The use of images is subject to periodic audits to ensure compliance with this policy.
  • These audits review storage practices, consent records, and usage history.

7.2 Training and Capacity Building

  • Staff and photographers receive training on the policy, with specific emphasis on cultural sensitivities and ethical storytelling in the Bangladeshi context.

7.3 Feedback Mechanisms

  • PLATFORM BANGLADESH provides avenues for individuals and communities to share feedback on the use of their images.
  • This feedback informs future policy updates and reinforces our commitment to ethical practices.


8. Transparency and Public Access

  • PLATFORM BANGLADESH publishes a simplified version of this policy on its website, ensuring transparency with stakeholders, donors, and the public.

 

 

 

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