Lancashire Police has come under fire after posting a CCTV image of a suspect on Facebook without obtaining prior consent. The move has sparked a heated debate over privacy rights and ethical policing.
The image, which was shared publicly, showed an individual suspected of involvement in an undisclosed incident. While the police defended the action as part of their investigative process, critics argue it violates data protection laws and could lead to wrongful accusations.
Public Backlash and Legal Concerns
Privacy advocates and legal experts have condemned the decision, stating that publicly identifying suspects before a formal charge risks damaging reputations and undermining fair trials. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has been urged to investigate whether the post breaches GDPR regulations.
Police Response
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police stated that the post was intended to assist with an ongoing investigation and was removed after concerns were raised. However, they maintained that such measures are sometimes necessary for public safety.
The incident has reignited discussions about the balance between effective policing and individual privacy rights in the digital age.
