Guidance for managing ‘auditors’ filming your premises
CLA East Adviser Peter Ewin looks at how best to respond if social media ‘auditors’ attempt to use drones to film on your land
Social media ‘auditors’ know staff feel uneasy when someone films or photographs a secure facility. They’ll often push boundaries - questioning your authority and misquoting laws to provoke a reaction. They’re well versed in their rights and quick to cite legislation when challenged.
While their presence can be annoying, auditors rarely gather anything truly compromising. Most footage of vehicles, staff, or equipment is benign. Problems arise only if staff respond aggressively, quote laws incorrectly, or declare “you’re not allowed to film here.”
Conveying a professional security posture, such as mentioning CCTV coverage, deters escalation but you should avoid revealing sensitive details about your security or protocols.
Your tone sets the stage. A calm, courteous first response makes it far less likely that auditors capture dramatic confrontations. Remember:
- Remain polite and neutral at all times.
- Keep exchanges brief and businesslike.
- Acknowledge their right to film while asserting your own authority and safety concerns.
The National Protective Security Authority recommends a structured response, CALM:
- Chat - greet them cordially to defuse tension.
- Assess - observe body language, equipment, and questions to gauge intent.
- Limit - keep the conversation focused on essential points—site rules, safety, identity checks.
- Monitor - discreetly watch for signs of escalation or attempts to record sensitive areas.
Key Reminders
- Your opening remark often decides the interaction’s tone.
- Auditors aim for viral content—avoid handing them drama.
- The best defence is to be unremarkable: an easy “no comment” goes nowhere online.
Further Considerations
- Conduct regular role-play drills so staff practice the CALM framework.
- Post clear signage about public filming rights and restricted zones - transparency reduces disputes.
- Brief local security and police on your policy, so they understand your position if things escalate.
- Review footage after each incident to refine procedures and identify training needs.
Social media auditors want their content to go viral. Remember that the goal of auditing is often to generate controversial content. The best defence is to make their interactions with you forgettable.