Muscat – The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched a public awareness campaign urging people to seek permission before sharing photographs that include others, highlighting the importance of protecting  privacy in the digital age.

Through a series of awareness messages shared on its social media platforms, the authority reminds the public that respecting an individual’s decision about their photograph is both an ethical responsibility and an important part of responsible online behaviour.

One campaign message presents a simple scenario in which a woman takes a photo in a public place before realising another person is clearly visible in the background. Before posting the image, she asks herself whether she should first obtain the other person’s permission, reinforcing the message that consent should always come before sharing.

Another illustration shows two friends discussing a photograph, with one asking whether she is comfortable with it being shared. The campaign advises users to always seek permission before posting images that clearly show other people and to avoid photographing private situations or publishing pictures without consent.

A third message focuses on respecting personal choices after a photograph has already been taken. It explains that when one friend did not wish to appear in a shared photo, the other respected her decision and chose not to publish it. TRA also stresses that if someone requests the deletion of a photograph, that request should be honoured promptly.

The campaign carries the slogans ‘Before you share… ask first’, ‘Respect their choice. Protect their privacy’, and ‘Privacy is a right. Share responsibly’.

The authority said the campaign aims to promote greater awareness of digital ethics and encourage responsible use of social media platforms as more people share images online every day.

It called on users to think carefully before uploading photos, particularly those that include identifiable individuals, noting that a simple act of asking for permission can help protect privacy, build trust and foster a more respectful digital environment for everyone.