Video: CEO caught on kiss cam with alleged affair partner sparks Dutch privacy concerns
A viral video of a tech executive being exposed for infidelity during a Coldplay concert in the United States has reignited debate over privacy rights at public events in the Netherlands, where similar filming practices are common and often legally permitted, NOS reports.
The video, which showed U.S. tech executive Andy Byron on a large screen during a Coldplay performance, circulated widely online and led to his suspension. Although the incident occurred in the U.S., Dutch privacy law experts say similar footage captured at concerts in the Netherlands could also have legal implications—but protections are limited.
“In such cases, both the General Data Protection Regulation (AVG), which concerns privacy, and portrait rights, which cover images and videos of people, apply,” attorney Yasar Bayram, a specialist in intellectual property and privacy law, told NOS. “Under the AVG, there needs to be a valid legal basis—usually consent—to use someone’s photo or video. So the first question is: did the person give consent?”
According to Bayram, when buying a ticket to a large event, concertgoers are typically informed in advance that filming or photography may take place. On-site signage and announcements at venues also serve as implied consent. “If you enter under those conditions, you’re essentially giving permission. Organizers can’t realistically get a signed agreement from every attendee,” he told the newspaper.
Willem Westermann of the Vereniging van Evenementenmakers (Association of Event Organizers) echoed that view, saying concertgoers should expect to be filmed. “Events are generally public spaces, so filming is normal. It’s different at corporate or private events. But where there’s a crowd, filming and photography are standard,” he told NOS. He added that this applies beyond concerts, citing the Vierdaagse walking event, where participants are routinely recorded.
In Coldplay’s case, the use of cameras during shows is a regular part of the experience, Bayram noted. “It’s likely the couple didn’t give explicit consent, but they should’ve known filming could happen,” he told NOS.
For those who want to avoid being caught on camera altogether, Bayram offered limited options: “You can step away or grab a drink when a kiss cam or similar segment is happening.” Once footage has been published and shared widely, however, removing it becomes difficult. “You can request deletion under the AVG, but practically speaking, once the image has circulated, it’s nearly impossible to retract. It’s much easier if the video only exists on one platform,” he told NOS.
Westermann ended with a blunt warning: “If you’re doing something you wouldn’t want to be made public—like cheating—you probably shouldn’t be doing it in public.”
