Artists, respect our privacy

The use of social media is emerging in Burundi.One in three young people cannot spend more than 30 minutes without being connected. The suppliers of goods and services are not to be outdone. Many use social networks to sell the image of their company. But a bad habit is emerging…

Today, ICT is evolving. It is no longer a question of travelling miles in search of a supplier of such or such a service or product. Photographers, artists, bakers, associations, insurance companies, banks etc. are all present on social networks, a facility for service seekers as Horugavye Jeannette, in her thirties, testifies.

The internet makes it easier when you don’t have enough time. For example, I was preparing my wedding and I was looking for a photographer. I didn’t have any contact. In Bujumbura, it is well known that good photographers all have a page on facebook or an account on Instagramm. I started searching on social networks. There, I can see his expertise, the quality of his photos, his creativity, not to mention his contacts.

I contacted 3 photographers that I liked and finally I opted to work with the lowest bidder. The latter provided me with all the services with professionalism. But a few months later, he totally surprised me.

Is everything allowed on digital?

After the service, photographers have a good habit of sharing photos or videos on the day of the event with their clients and the client can share them with friends. continues HJ. And mine did it that way.

A few days later, I saw a comment from a friend who tagged me on a photo posted on a Facebook page. So like everyone else, I opened it and curiously, 10 photos of my wedding were posted on his Facebook page without my consent. I was shocked. I shared it with my friends and it seemed normal to them. “Why bother when they’re nice pictures and everyone else is doing it! It’s to feed their page and attract other customers to them,” a friend told me.

Usually I use social networks to keep up with news, trends, etc., but not my private life. Why, they extend our privacy without our permission? regrets HJ.

This is the same case of Horicowumvise Gerard who found his son’s photo on a Facebook page of a modeling company. “I remember taking my son to a birthday party. Like any event, there was a photographer! On a page of a modeling house, I found a picture of my son! Surprised, I directly contacted the administrator ! He apologized and erased it. I wanted to file a complaint !!! says angry Horicowumvise … Imagine how many people have already seen this picture ? For what purpose did he use it? Doesn’t he make money with it? A publicity photo costs no less than 500$ ! Is everything allowed on digital? What does the law say to protect the owners of digital content? Does digital law exist in Burundi? If so, why?

Contacted Jéremie H, an expert to enlighten us on these questions, he didn’t want to say much: “The Burundian penal code clearly specifies the offences on criminality! Go and consult it”.