Live streaming videos on the Internet have created an interesting problem: a question of the expectation of privacy on the Internet. Streaming videos have a nasty habit of going viral, especially the ones that depict funny, embarrassing or otherwise noteworthy acts by just about anyone in the country or the world. It is unfortunate, but many people simply assume they have a degree of protection in regards to privacy and the Internet. The truth is, unless specific steps are taken users have little right to privacy on the Internet.
Any user who has made the decision to upload a video utilizing live streaming technology should carefully consider whether or not they are comfortable with the entire world, literally, seeing that video. If they are not, they must take certain steps to protect their image. Failing to do so negates any right to privacy.
Some believe that by including a legal disclaimer which states something like “this video may not be reposted without the express permission of its author,” is enough. It isn’t. Only material that is actually copyrighted is offered this type of protection. One option is to utilize an encryption program of some sort to protect the video.
The truth is the best way to protect privacy in regards to live streaming video technology is to simply not post videos which users would prefer are not made public. Remember the best viral videos are often the most embarrassing viral videos. It is these videos that not only make it to the top of the video list but also become the leading story on the nightly news.