Individual rights and recording video and audio

For a recording of a course whereby only the lecturer can be seen and heard, only the speaker’s consent is needed, as the right of privacy of other participants is not affected. A written declaration is not absolutely necessary, however it is advisable for safety. You can find a form under the link “Declaration of consent for video and audio recordings”.

As well as the right to their own image, a person also has the right to their own spoken words.

If a discussion is recorded, then all participants who join in must be informed appropriately and must give their agreement to publication. Here again written confirmation is not absolutely necessary, but it is advisable. You can find a suitable form under the link “Declarations of consent for video and audio recordings”.

This does not affect the right of privacy of participants if the recording is made from the back of the hall and the participants are filmed from behind, since this ensures anonymity. It is also permitted to film the room as a whole, provided no participants are distinguished in particular, i.e. showing a group. Nevertheless, before any recordings notice should be given that they will be made.

It should also be noted that a participant also has the right to their own spoken words. Therefore, if an oral contribution is made to a discussion – and even if the participant cannot be seen in the picture – their consent must be obtained.

In this context the platform on which the film will be published is immaterial. The declaration of consent would also be sufficient for an Internet site such as “YouTube”.