Retail Staff Filmed Without Consent Raises Union Concerns
Retail employees being recorded by members of the public without their knowledge or consent has become an "increasing problem," according to a shop workers' union.
This issue surfaced after a sales assistant informed the BBC that he appeared in a video posted on TikTok and YouTube by former TV presenter Michael Barrymore without his permission.
Barrymore frequently records videos of his daily activities, including visits to shops and interactions with the public, using a small built-in camera on his smart glasses. He shares these videos with his several million followers.
Although Barrymore's interaction with the sales assistant was amicable, Jayne Allport from the union Usdaw highlighted that other filmed encounters between the public and shop workers can "get heated" and are "really concerning."
There is no indication that Barrymore or other smart glasses users filming in shops are committing criminal offenses; however, their actions may violate data protection laws.
Barrymore has been approached for comment.
Privacy Risks for Retail Workers Highlighted
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The Media Show, Allport emphasized that some retail workers might have serious concerns about their workplace or location being publicly disclosed due to personal circumstances.
"They could be filming someone who has escaped an abusive relationship or violent past and they don't want anybody to know where they are," she said to presenter Katie Razzall.
Unlike public spaces, shops are private properties where permission to photograph or film should be obtained from the owner.
Employees working in retail generally have a reasonable expectation of privacy, and their consent should be secured before any images or videos of them are shared.
However, many social media users who record interactions may not be fully aware of these legal requirements.
Smart glasses contain tiny built-in cameras, which can result in people around the wearer being unaware they are being filmed.
Michael Barrymore's Transition to Social Media Fame
Michael Barrymore was a prominent TV presenter during the 1980s and 1990s, known for shows such as My Kind of Music, Strike It Lucky, and Kids Say the Funniest Things.
In recent years, he has gained renewed recognition, especially among younger audiences, through his social media videos, particularly on TikTok.
His content often features everyday activities like trips to supermarkets or shopping malls, dining at restaurants, or running errands.
These videos have become very popular, often combining humor and entertainment. However, one retail worker in England expressed concern after appearing in one such clip.
The sales assistant, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC he only discovered he had been filmed by Barrymore several days after the visit.
"One of the customers comes in and she says, 'I've seen you on a video'," he recalled. "And I had no idea what she was talking about."
Upon returning home, he searched social media and found the video featuring him.
"And I had to sort of go backwards and piece together what had happened," he said.
He noted that he was clearly identifiable in the video and that no one had asked for his permission to be filmed.
Calls for Permission Before Filming
The sales assistant's experience comes amid ongoing discussions about the use of smart glasses, with several million pairs sold worldwide in recent years by major technology companies.
Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are currently the market leader, accounting for an estimated 80% of all AI or smart glasses sales. Their growing popularity has also raised safety and privacy concerns.
The retail worker who served Barrymore told the BBC:
"Personally I wasn't unduly bothered because I don't have any particular reason to be unduly bothered.
"But I can see that there are situations in which you would be very bothered. Let's say I've just come out of a very abusive relationship. It's not particularly unusual that people have to move area to get away from somebody.
"And in those circumstances, there's a video on social media platforms where it's perfectly obvious where I'm working, and somewhat obvious what area, in which case I would've been very concerned indeed."
He added that while he "probably wouldn't have minded" being filmed, he would have preferred to be asked beforehand.
Usdaw's Allport described such recordings as an "invasion of privacy" that can have a "massive impact on our members' mental health."
She highlighted particularly troubling cases where customers, upset about an incident, film and upload videos of confrontations with shop workers to embarrass the retailer.
"If you can imagine going to work and then being confronted by someone, having a discussion with them that may well get heated, that being filmed and then it goes on to social media, you can just imagine how those shop workers are feeling about it, it can be absolutely devastating," she said.
When asked what advice she would give to Barrymore, Allport responded:
"I would say, just take five minutes before you do the filming.
Go into the store, explain to the staff what you're intending to do, and ask them if they mind starring in... his video.
And I suspect quite a number of them won't mind at all," she added. "But it is common courtesy to ask for permission."
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