Inspector could be planning ID theft
Q: I had work done on my basement by a Toronto contractor. I wasn’t satisfied, so I contacted the licensing agency. A young inspector came out and started taking pictures and after a few minutes I realized he wasn’t taking pictures of the job site; he was taking pictures of me!
I am 90 years old, I don’t want my picture taken and I asked him to stop. He just laughed.
Later, because this was still bothering me, I contacted the agency and asked for the pictures. I was told the inspector had “changed cameras since then” and no longer had them.
What right did he have to take my picture without my knowledge or consent?
A: Absolutely none. For most of the history of photography, cameras were big, clunky things; they took a while to set up, a flash accompanied every picture, and it was easy to tell a photo had been taken. Back then, it was necessary to ask permission before you shot someone. Photographically, at least.
One of the insidious effects of the tiny cameras in electronic devices today is that this courtesy has disappeared; people think they have the right to take whatever picture they want, whenever they want.
But they don’t. As fascinating as my face may be (to say nothing of my dazzling pecs and washboard abs), they’re not part of the natural landscape or urban architecture; they’re mine and you can’t have them — not without asking.
Recently, we’re seeing backlash against public “theft” of private images. Right-minded people were disgusted when photographers released pictures taken, without permission, of the topless Duchess of Cambridge. Then there was the flurry of concern a few weeks ago about Instagram (an online photosharing service) and its possible, unauthorized use of photos posted there.
In your case, however, my concern would not be simply that this young inspector took your picture; my concern is why he did it. Forgive me, please, but when a young, male inspector takes pictures of a 90-year-old woman who lives alone in her home, it’s not to add to the collection of bikini-clad nymphs on his bedroom ceiling.
You’re old enough to remember the expression “casing the joint” — but theft today is more complicated and sophisticated than it used to be. Thieves are more likely to steal your identity than your TV.
This young man now has your name, your address and phone number, your picture, and possibly other information that he saw around the house, such as a credit card or licence plate number. And that’s a problem.
Contact the inspection agency again and speak to a senior manager. Tell her your (OK, my) concerns and demand an investigation. Don’t bother requesting the photos — they’re digital, so they’re probably on a hard drive somewhere.
Instead, ask for written documentation that an investigation has been held, a police reference check is on file for this employee, and your concerns have been officially recorded.
If you’re not satisfied with the answers you’re getting, contact the police. I don’t want you to be frightened, but I do want you to be careful.