Can I film people in public in the Netherlands?
Filming on the street for private use is technically allowed, but online sharing of recognisable persons requires their consent under GDPR and the portrait right. For commercial use (advertisement, paid YouTube channel): model release required. For news and press photography: broader exemption. Filming through a fence or in someone else's garden: privacy violation, criminal. Home security cameras: only aimed at own property. For stalking-filming or threat: report possible, up to 2 years prison.
📋 The rules
- Filming for private use (only you viewing): allowed
- Online publishing of recognisable persons: consent required (GDPR art. 6 + portrait right)
- Commercial use (advertisement, paid YouTube/TikTok channel): model release required
- Filming on private property (shop, building, station): owner's consent needed
- Filming through a fence or in someone else's garden: privacy violation, criminal
- Filming children: extra strict — parent/guardian consent always required
- Home security cameras: only aimed at own property, not at sidewalk/neighbours
- Stalking-filming (repeatedly following on purpose): art. 285b Sr, up to 2 years prison
- Filming during demonstration or protest: allowed, also of participants and police
🔓 Exceptions
- News and press purposes: broader exemption under “journalistic privilege”
- Public figures during public function: less privacy, photo allowed
- Demonstration / public protest: filming allowed, also of participants
- Holiday photos where strangers are incidentally in shot (not central): practically no issue
- Filming for evidence (crime, traffic accident): allowed + supply to police
⚠️ Penalty if you do it anyway
Damages for portrait right violation: €500–5,000+ via civil procedure. GDPR fine (by Dutch DPA): €820–20,000+ for consumer on serious violation. Criminal for stalking-filming: art. 285b Sr, up to 2 years prison. For secret filming in private setting (changing room, toilet, bedroom): art. 139f Sr, up to 1 year prison. Distribution of nude images without consent (revenge porn): art. 139h Sr, up to 2 years.
📎 Official sources
- Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens · filming →
- Rijksoverheid · GDPR and privacy →
- AVG-Nederland · portrait right →
- Rechtspraak.nl · GDPR rulings →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I record a vlog on the street in Amsterdam?
Solo vlog without recognisable others: no problem. With incidental other people in shot (passing by): usually OK. For targeting someone in shot: ask consent or blur the face in post-production. On private property like a museum or café: ask permission of owner/operator first.
Can I point home security camera at the sidewalk?
Camera may only film your own plot. A few centimetres of sidewalk overlap is grey area, but the direction must clearly be aimed at your own house. Filming neighbour gardens: forbidden. On neighbour's complaint or DPA report: possible fine or obligation to reposition/remove. Good practice: sticker “Camera present” at front door.
What if someone films me without consent?
Step 1: personally ask to stop + delete. Step 2: on refusal: report to Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl) or file police report. Step 3: for stalking behaviour (repeatedly following): report for harassment under art. 285b Sr. Step 4: for identity misuse or your image online on fake profiles: use Bij Wie? for identity theft.
Can I film a police officer during an action?
Yes, for journalistic purposes you may film police officers in public function. Don't obstruct their work (no camera in face, no blocking). During protest or demonstration: filming allowed, also of officers. During someone's arrest: filming allowed, but online distribution can be civilly challenged.
Can I film children at the school playground or in the park?
Own children: yes, capturing other children requires parental consent. School playgrounds are often school's private property with own rules. General ban on filming unknown children without context (suspicious behaviour): police can intervene. At sports match of own child: other parents possibly in shot — don't publish without consent.
What's the fine for secret filming?
Secret filming in private setting (changing room, toilet, bedroom): art. 139f Sr, up to 1 year prison. Distribution of nude images without consent (revenge porn): art. 139h Sr, up to 2 years. Civil claim portrait right: €500–5,000+. GDPR fine by DPA: up to €20,000 for consumers on serious violation.
Can I film people on a nude beach or in a sauna?
Absolutely not without consent. Filming on a nude beach or in a sauna is privacy violation, criminal under GDPR plus portrait right. Distribution of photos: aggravating (handling stolen images and/or stalking). On spotting a photographer: report directly to lifeguard, sauna staff, or police via 0900-8844.
Can I film who delivers my parcel via my ring doorbell?
Yes, for own security and parcel delivery. Camera aimed at your front door and own property: allowed. Audio recording allowed, but must be clearly indicated (sticker at door). Retention period for footage: max 28 days recommended. For crime footage: keep + supply to police.
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