The family of a deceased Windsor woman, Alicia Newman, is urging for the removal of photos depicting her during her struggle with drug addiction from social media. Despite their efforts to contact the photographer and request the removal of the images, their requests have been ignored and they have been blocked. This incident sheds light on the gaps in Canada’s privacy policies in the digital era.
Alicia Newman, who passed away a few years ago, was admired by her twin brother, Devin Newman, for her kindness and generosity. Her life took a downturn after a severe car accident while living in Paris, Ont., leading her into drug use and subsequent struggles with addiction and mental health issues upon moving to Windsor in her late twenties. She tragically passed away in 2018 at the age of 37.
Photographer Donnie Johnston has been repeatedly reposting photos of Alicia on social media platforms, causing distress to her family. Despite the family’s pleas, Johnston has refused to take down the images, stating that he will not remove them under any circumstances.
The family expressed their anguish at seeing Alicia portrayed in a vulnerable state online, emphasizing that she would not have consented to the photos due to her battle with bipolar disorder. They hope to reclaim Alicia’s narrative and protect others from similar exploitation.
In Canada, it is generally legal to capture and share photos taken in public spaces. However, legal experts like Kristen Thomasen and Bassem Awad advocate for increased legal protections for vulnerable individuals, especially in the digital age where images can be easily disseminated without consent.
Moreover, photography ethics experts stress the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of subjects, particularly when photographing marginalized populations. They emphasize the need for awareness of ethical considerations in street photography and the importance of upholding individuals’ dignity and consent.
Alicia’s family continues to seek the removal of the photos, feeling powerless in their efforts to protect her memory from being defined by her struggles. They emphasize that Alicia would not want to be remembered for her darkest moments.