Vloggers need to blur bystanders in posts under new NPC guidelines

Vloggers are now required to mask images of bystanders in their posts under the new guidelines of the National Privacy Commission.

NPC Circular No. 2025-01, or the “Guideline on the Processing of Personal Data Collected Using Body-Worn Cameras,” aims to establish protocols for the protection of data subjects’ data and their data privacy rights.

In PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Monday, Aubin Arn Nieva, NPC Data Security and Compliance Office Director, said the circular covers police officers, private security agencies, and even vloggers.

The circular states that “vloggers are required to use available technology that can mask images of bystanders, especially children and other vulnerable individuals.”

They should also have an “appropriate private notice” on all of their social media platforms.

Vloggers are further required to “ensure transparency and provide adequate information to the data subjects prior to the commencement of any video recording activity.”

Nieva noted that the recorder must convey to the subject the data being recorded in an understandable language.

The recording of the subject or bystander must also not be “unduly oppressive.”

Violators of the circular may face criminal, civil, and administrative charges pursuant to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and related issuances of the NPC.

For concerns, the public may report to the NPC at complaints@privacy.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, Nieva reminded vloggers, who monetize their vlogs, to register at the NPC.

Violators may be issued a show cause order and face a maximum fine of P50,000.

To register, they may go to the NPC office or to the National Privacy Commission Registration System (NPCRS) online portal. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News