Petition · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Make it an offence to post accident or crime scene photos on social media

Open for signatures 166 signatures

What the petition asks

Introduce legislation to prohibit the publication of photos of crime scenes and accidents - particularly those involving serious injuries and fatalities - to prevent people from profiting from the suffering and misfortune of victims’ families. This should exclude regulated news organisations.
In 2024, I lost my brother in a tragic accident. Within 24 hours, a social media account with thousands of followers had posted footage of the scene, including the ambulance carrying his body. Instead of being able to grieve with my family, I spent hours trying to get the video removed. The road was already clear, so there was no public interest in sharing it. The same has since happened to other grieving families. No one should profit from another family’s loss.

Timeline

13 Aug 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 166
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Opened 13 Aug 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 14 Aug 2026.