Newcastle City Council has issued Community Protection Warnings to two social media content creators over what it describes as “exploitative” filming of vulnerable people on the city's streets. The warnings tell the individuals not to record any member of the public without their informed consent in any public place within the city.
Concerns over vulnerable people and AI glasses
The move follows growing concern about online videos showing people who are sleeping rough, intoxicated due to drugs or alcohol, or otherwise vulnerable in Newcastle, as well as the use of AI smart glasses by some creators to record footage. More than 5,600 people have signed a petition calling on Tyneside authorities to mount a crackdown on what it called “public humiliation for entertainment”.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said during a visit to Newcastle last week that using smart glasses to record someone without their consent is “completely disrespectful”.
Warnings served to named creators
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the two warning notices have been served against content creators known as Michael Ballymore and Tin tin, both of whom had been named in the petition. The warnings also state that they must not record any employee of Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police or the NE1 Business Improvement District company, or act in a way likely to cause nuisance or annoyance.
A council spokesperson said: “We recognise the significant impact that harassment and certain forms of unwelcome attention can have on individuals and the wider community, so we are committed to taking appropriate and proportionate action to prevent this. Community Protection Warnings have been issued to two individuals and, working closely with Northumbria Police, we will continue to monitor the situation and review any further reports or evidence to determine whether additional action is required.
“Anyone who experiences or witnesses crime, anti-social behaviour or harassment is asked to report it to Northumbria Police by direct message on social media, or by using the live chat and report form functions on their website. For those unable to contact the Northumbria Police in these ways, call 101. In the event of an emergency, always dial 999.”
Next steps and responses
A Community Protection Warning can be issued in an effort to stop certain behaviours negatively impacting an area. It is a first stage of action before the issuing of a formal Community Protection Notice, which it is a criminal offence to breach.
Both Michael Ballymore and Tin tin were contacted for a response. The two creators previously told the BBC in July that they “aim to act responsibly, and within the law, while highlighting issues that many people witness every day”.
Asked about the use of AI glasses for covert filming on a visit to Elswick last Wednesday, Mr Burnham said: “It is completely disrespectful to film somebody without telling them and without their permission. It is really not on in any way, shape or form, and it can cause huge distress obviously when that footage appears.”
Mr Burnham said it would be “premature” to commit to changing the law around their use at this stage, but that he would continue to look at the issue.
