Seven breached privacy rules over child footage

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found Channel Seven Adelaide breached privacy and distressing content rules in a 7NEWS report involving a child.

The ACMA investigation found the report included details that may have enabled people to identify the child and was likely to have caused distress to viewers.

The regulator also found there was insufficient public interest to justify broadcasting the material.

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said Channel Seven Adelaide failed to exercise due care when broadcasting the report.

“While the child was not named and their face was blurred, 7NEWS included details that could have enabled people to recognise the child during what was already a very distressing time for the family,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

“Most egregiously, Channel Seven knew how distressing the matter was as a parent asked that they stop filming the incident.

“Any public interest in broadcasting the upsetting material was far outweighed by the likely distress caused to the child and their family.”

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Details could have identified child

The report identified the incident location and showed the child under a spotlight.

At times, the camera zoomed in on the child, revealing details about their physique, mannerisms and school uniform.

“These details could have made the child identifiable, particularly to people in the school community and local neighbourhood,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

ACMA considers enforcement action

The ACMA is considering enforcement action against Channel Seven Adelaide.

The regulator will publish the outcome once it finalises its decision.

Mediaweek has reached out to the Seven Network for comment.