How to remove a video posted by a vigilante group
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A vigilante group have filmed me and spread it online, what do I do?
Successfully defending a client wrongfully accused by vigilante "paedophile hunters," Cohen Davis Solicitors secured the removal of defamatory content from major online platforms, restoring the client's reputation and personal peace.
Background
Our submissions to Google to remove a video
Communicating with Facebook to remove a video
Background
Our client Andy (not his real name) contacted us in relation to an unfortunate incident, whereby he was targeted by a vigilante group who cornered him and accused him of being a paedophile and talking to a minor online. This took place after Andy began engaging in conversation with a woman on an online dating app. The minimum age of a person allowed to create a profile on the app was 18, and thus Andy was under the belief that whoever he was talking to on there, was an adult. Additionally, when Andy asked the woman how old she was, she informed him that she was 26. Andy was therefore happy to continue talking to her, as he was only a few years older. A few weeks into speaking to the women online, Andy had a knock at this door.
When he opened it, he was shocked to find a group of men outside, with a video camera filming Andy and his house without his consent. The confrontation was engineered and videoed by the organisation which considered themselves to be voluntary paedophile hunters. They work by creating fake online profiles to identify and confront individuals who they consider to be sexual predators or paedophiles.
The organisation has no legal authority to lure or question any individuals it considered may have committed a criminal office, as they did with Andy. Consequently, despite maintaining his innocence, the vigilante group called the police and Andy was arrested and interviewed. The case was dropped around 12 months later as the police did not have any evidence to support any criminal wrongdoing.
When Andy thought the worst was now over, and he could put the past behind him, he was notified by a friend that the organisation had published the video of Andy on Facebook where he is easily identifiable. His name, image, area of residence, allegations of wrongdoing, and full arrest was all in the video. Andy’s full name was tagged in the video. The net effect of such was that he was identifiable. As a result, his reputation was utterly tarnished, and he lost his job where he had been employed at for 10+ years.
Client’s objective
It was therefore Andy’s goal to have the video delisted from the internet, whereby if an individual were to search for his full name online, the video will be removed from Google search results within the EU. During our consultation, we informed Andy that our steps moving forward would include splitting our time between communicating with Google, and with Facebook. Andy instructed us as his legal representatives, and we began working for him.
What we did for the client
We began by submitting a personal data removal request form on Google, pursuant to the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Our submission stated that the URLs (videos) contained personal sensitive data and relate to an incident, where our client was targeted by a vigilante group who cornered, videoed and accused him of being a paedophile. We informed Google that the police interviewed him but dropped the matter as there was no evidence to support any criminal wrongdoing and he later received no convicted or charged.
Our submissions to Google
We stated that the URLs were inaccurate, irrelevant, misleading and false. We supported this by saying that the personal data included Andy’s full name and video recording to which he was easily identifiable. Secondly, the URLs gave the misleading impression that he was a criminal. Thirdly, there was no public interest in the continued publication of the videos as the case was dropped, he had no convictions, and he has no role to play in public life.
Finally, the data was having a disproportionately negative impact on his professional and family life as he was dismissed from his job, and he and his family had to relocate from where they called home to protect their safety and well-being. Google responded positively and complied with our request, de-listing the URLs from Google searches, allowing an online search of Andy’s name to appear clear.
Communicating with Facebook
Next, we began communicating with Facebook. We served a Notice of Objection to further processing of personal data under the Data Protection Act 2018, and the General Data Protection Regulation on Facebook. Following this Notice, Facebook agreed to delete all of the publications relating to the video. As such, all content was removed from both Google and Facebook, leaving Andy delighted with the result.
Lawyers thoughts on the case
At Cohen Davis Solicitors, we take immense pride in our steadfast commitment to justice and the protection of personal reputations. This case exemplified our dedication to navigating the complexities of Andy’s online rights and privacy laws to secure a just outcome for him. We are particularly proud of our team’s ability to swiftly and effectively coordinate actions with major online platforms to ensure the restoration of our client's dignity and peace of mind. The successful resolution of Andy’s case reinforces our resolve to advocate vigorously for those unjustly accused, using every legal avenue available to uphold their rights.
Contact us
If you find yourself in a similar distressing situation, facing unwarranted accusations or issues related to online content or abuse by vigilante groups, reach out to us for support and legal advice. At Cohen Davis Solicitors, we are prepared to help you navigate through these challenging circumstances with confidentiality and expertise. You can contact us by phone at 020 7183 4123 or via email at helpline@cohendavis.co.uk. Let us help you protect your reputation and ensure your rights are fully respected.
