When in a public place, expect to be filmed. You have the right to ask to not be filmed, but not to complain. The filmer has every right to film on public space, accessible ways and what is viewable from public land.

i've had many such situations in concerts and in most cases act like you did (cover face). about a year ago i started wearing a cap and sunglasses, even though, the sun is not out. Honestly, quiet annoying at times, but I prefer this, instead of getting filmed by random ppl I never met before.

there have been occasions, where i was in public transport, and had an uncomfortable feeling creep up inside of me, because the person opposite to me was clearly making a video. in such situations, i kindly always ask the person if they where filming me? until now, they always reply "NO i was filming myself" or "filming my friend sitting next to you". the latter reply always kind of shocks me, because only then i realize that these two ppl know each other, but are both staring at there phones and apparently it is okay to film a friend without consent... all in all, such situations seem to be happening more often, and they really make me feel uncomfortable. the only solution that i can think of is to speak up and ask if i was being filmed. perhaps, this helps to show such ppl that not everyone likes being filmed by strangers, even though they are in the public

Out in the wild, there is no privacy, get used to it. Yes, do what you can but you do realize you are on 100 cams in 100 stores already right? You are not paranoid, but smart enough to spot it and understand it, sadly, very little we can do about it. I do think tho that there is a huge potential for "personal signal jammer" market :-) Imagine, you walk into the store and the cameras and/or all phones stop working... Ooops, but magically fix themselves after you leave...lol Hey, it happens all the time when the important things are happening (e.g. Epstein), why not "accidentaly/onpurpose" always... it just happens when you walk in. I know its a stretch but one can dream, can't I?

Experienced something similar thing this weekend and had the same thoughts.

I was nonchalantly trying to stay out of her vision, till I realized she was just FaceTiming.

Just imagine how many other cameras recorded you that you never even saw.

your face in that video on social media will probably be used now to train AI

I'd not hide and it's my personal choice. If you don't like your face or activity getting filled by anyone, you can hide yourself as you did. I don't call you a paranoid for it. You are just cautious.

You’re not being paranoid. Your response of covering your face was a quick way to handle the situation in the moment, but it’s also important to feel empowered to speak up if you’re uncomfortable.

The answer

Just expect to bring a ball cap or wear a hoodie... If daytime add sunglasses... You can always play afraid of the vid and wear a mask, no one questions that these days.

Maybe you lacked a little more empathy and the ability to share the joy of the moment.

Wearing random lines of camo makeup will fool facial recognition software. You’re welcome

I share your concern, it is something complicated and very difficult to avoid 100% but I have felt equally uncomfortable when I visit tourist places or places with a high influx of people, shopping centers, parks, etc... and it is very uncomfortable for another person to record or photograph you, either you or your family. I usually try to avoid these places on holidays or very popular dates to avoid crowds and exposure of myself and my loved ones.

Thanks for the post Don't worry, you weren't being paranoid. Covering your face was a smart move at the time, but remember you can always speak up if you're uncomfortable.

In my opinion, if you are in a crowd, it is difficult to stop people from taking videos, because everything will be recorded. This happened to me, but I also recorded the video, because it also includes moments in the crowd.

No, I don't think you're paranoid. The world is gone crazy today. And you have no idea who those guys were. Your privacy is also your safety.

Paranoid? No. I think you just wanted to preserve your privacy at a public place which isn't possible. Think of a football stadium full of spectators, the cameramen rotates the machine every now and then at audience and its not a crime.

Time to start wearing a mask. Its for your protection, not theirs.