Facebook tagging is a common way to identify people in photos, posts, and other content on the platform. But do you need to get permission before tagging someone? The answer depends on your relationship with the person and the type of content you’re tagging them in.
What is tagging on Facebook?
Tagging allows you to link a person’s Facebook profile to content you share. When you tag someone, their name appears as a link leading to their profile. Tagging notifies the person that you mentioned them, and it may share the post or photo with their friends and followers depending on their privacy settings.
You can tag people in the following types of Facebook content:
- Photos and videos
- Text posts and status updates
- Comments
- Events
- Stories on Facebook and Instagram
Tagging someone makes the content and their name visible to both of your audiences. It links that person to the post and your profile.
When is permission required to tag someone?
In most cases, you don’t need explicit permission to tag someone on Facebook. However, there are some situations where it’s wise or required to ask first:
- Tagging in private groups: You should ask permission before tagging someone in a private Facebook group that they don’t belong to, since the content will be visible to all group members.
- Tagging in restricted audiences: Don’t tag someone in a post that’s limited to a specific friend list that doesn’t include them.
- Tagging in photos: Always ask before tagging someone in photos, especially unflattering, negative, or private images.
- Tagging minors: Get parental permission before tagging minors under 18.
- Public figures: Avoid tagging public figures like celebrities unless you have a relationship with them.
- Professional connections: Be cautious about tagging coworkers, colleagues, bosses, employees, and clients.
- Ex partners: Don’t tag ex romantic partners without their consent.
Why you should ask for permission
Asking for permission before tagging someone on Facebook is polite and shows respect for their privacy and preferences. Here are some specific reasons it’s a good idea to get consent:
- They can review the content. The person can check that they’re comfortable with the post or photo you want to tag them in before it’s public.
- They can untag themselves. If someone doesn’t like being tagged, Facebook lets them remove the tag. But it’s easier not to tag them in the first place.
- It avoids misunderstandings. Getting permission reduces the chance of unintentionally bothering someone with a tag.
- It gives them a heads up. The notification can be disruptive or annoying if they aren’t expecting it.
- It provides a chance to opt out. Some people prefer not to be tagged for privacy reasons.
While Facebook doesn’t require agreement for basic tagging, asking first is thoughtful. It demonstrates respect for their time and privacy.
How to ask for tagging permission
Here are some polite ways to request consent before tagging someone on Facebook:
- Send them a message privately asking if it’s alright to tag them.
- Email them the photo or content you want to tag asking if they consent to be tagged.
- Call them to give a heads up that you’ll be tagging them and to confirm it’s ok.
- Ask in person if you can tag them the next time you share photos or posts from an event.
- Send the content to the person first and ask if they consent to tagging before sharing it publicly.
Keep the request simple and informal. “Hey, I’m sharing some pics from the event last night and want to tag you. Cool with that?” A quick confirmation is all you need in most cases if you have a good relationship with the person.
How to tag someone on Facebook
If someone confirms it’s alright to tag them, here’s how to do it:
- Upload the photo or post the content you want to tag the person in.
- Go to the section where you want to add a tag. Click “Tag Friends” or the person icon.
- Start typing the name of the person you want to tag. Select their name when it appears.
- Position the tag where you want it. You can tag people in images and select word tags for text posts.
- Finish updating the audience and privacy for the content as you normally would.
- Click “Post” or “Share” to publish the content with the tag included.
The tagged person’s name will appear highlighted as a link to their profile. They’ll get a notification that you tagged them, subject to their notification settings.
What if someone tags you without permission?
If someone tags you on Facebook without your consent, you have options to manage the situation:
- Untag yourself: Click the three dots above the post and select “Remove tag” to untag yourself from the content.
- Hide the post: Choose to hide it from your timeline without removing the tag.
- Give feedback: Politely comment asking the person to remove the tag or tag you in the future only with your permission.
- Unfollow them: Stop seeing their posts in your News Feed.
- Report the post: If the content with your tag violates Facebook’s rules in some way, report it.
- Block them: Prevent them from being able to tag or contact you on Facebook altogether.
Most issues can be resolved with a quick message asking the person not to tag you without your consent in the future. If the behavior continues, restrict their ability to interact with you as needed.
Changing tag privacy settings
Facebook provides privacy settings related to tagging that you can adjust:
- Review tags: Require approval of any tags people add before they appear on your profile.
- Limit audience: Choose who can see posts you’re tagged in on your timeline.
- Disable tagging: Turn off the ability to be tagged in posts completely.
Adjust these based on your comfort level. The most restricted options can prevent unwanted tags, but limit visibility. Find a balance that fits your needs.
Conclusion
Getting tagged permission first is recommended in many cases out of respect for people’s privacy and preferences. While Facebook doesn’t require consent to tag, there are situations where it’s wise or necessary to ask first. Consider the relationship, the content, and the context to determine if permission should be obtained. With the proper etiquette, tagging can remain an effective tool for connecting with others on Facebook.