The family of a Windsor woman, Alicia Newman, is requesting the removal of photos depicting her during a period of active drug addiction from social media. Alicia passed away a few years ago, and her family finds the images distressing, preferring that she be remembered for more positive aspects of her life. Despite efforts to contact the photographer responsible for the images, the family has been ignored and blocked.
Alicia’s twin brother, Devin Newman, fondly recalls her kindness and generosity. After a car accident in Paris, Ont., her life took a difficult turn when she was introduced to drugs by acquaintances. Moving to Windsor in her late 20s, Alicia struggled with drug addiction, homelessness, and mental health issues. Tragically, she passed away in 2018 at the age of 37.
Photographer Donnie Johnston posted pictures of Alicia on social media, including one with a caption suggesting she was a sex worker. The family, deeply upset by the images, has unsuccessfully tried to have them removed, citing the distress caused by seeing Alicia in such vulnerable circumstances.
The family’s pleas for the removal of the photos have not been heeded, with Johnston asserting his right to keep the images online. Concerns have been raised about the ethical implications of publicly sharing images of vulnerable individuals without their consent, especially considering the lack of legal protections for such cases in Canada.
Experts emphasize the need for more comprehensive privacy laws to safeguard individuals’ dignity and control over their images, particularly in an era where digital content can spread rapidly. They point to examples like Denmark’s move to allow people to copyright their digital identity as a potential solution to protect individuals from exploitation online.
Addressing the ethical responsibilities of street photography, experts stress the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of individuals, especially those who are homeless or vulnerable. While street photography can raise awareness of social issues, it should not come at the expense of compromising people’s dignity and privacy.
Alicia’s family continues to advocate for the removal of the photos, expressing their helplessness in the face of the photographer’s refusal to take them down. Devin Newman emphasizes that his sister would not want to be remembered for her struggles, underscoring the family’s desire to reclaim Alicia’s narrative and prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals online.