Muscat – Should asking for permission before sharing photos with others be a mandatory digital rule or just a common courtesy? How would you react if a friend or stranger posted a photo of you on social media without consent? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said –

Majed Al Gharibi, Student

Asking for permission should be a mandatory digital rule to protect privacy. If someone posted my photo without consent, I would feel disrespected and immediately ask them to take it down, as personal privacy boundaries must always be respected online.

Khalid Al Ishaqi, Delivery boy

I agree that asking permission before posting photos should be a strict digital rule because privacy is a basic right. If someone posted my photo without consent, I would ask them to remove it immediately and remind them to respect others’ privacy.

Rabiaa Al Kindi, Hospitality sector 

It should be a mandatory rule, as digital privacy is a fundamental right. If a friend or stranger uploaded my picture without consent, I would feel disrespected and demand its immediate deletion to maintain my personal boundaries.

Raad Abdullah Zaher Al Ishaqi, Gamer

If I appear accidentally in the background of a public or tourist place photo, it’s not an issue. However, if someone intentionally takes a photo of me and posts it with a caption, they must ask for permission first, as that directly targets my privacy.

Yusuf al Gharibi, Student

I believe asking for permission before sharing someone’s photo should be a mandatory digital rule, not just common courtesy. Everyone has the right to control their privacy. If anyone posted my photo without my consent, I would politely ask them to remove it and respect my personal boundaries.

Almouther Al Shokili, Safety and security professional 

Asking permission before sharing someone’s photo should be a mandatory digital rule because privacy deserves respect. If a friend or stranger posted my photo without my consent, I would ask them to remove it immediately. If they refused, I would report the post to protect my privacy.

Kiran Choudhury, Homemaker

There should be mandatory digital rules with regard to photo sharing. I will not appreciate my photo being posted without consent. Every individual has the right to privacy and it should not be violated. Social media should have a clear demarcation line.

Bader Yahya Al Balushi, Government employee

Prior consent is not a digital courtesy, but an ethical and legal duty, as a photo is an extension of privacy and identity. A healthy digital culture begins with a simple question before posting, protecting individuals from embarrassment or professional harm. I reject the notion that being in a public space justifies capturing and sharing people’s images without their knowledge. Platform tools (like reporting and tag notifications) support this right, but societal awareness is the deeper solution. I call for legislation that fines unauthorised sharing, and a culture where ‘may I?’ becomes a daily habit, not an exception.