Newcastle City Council has initiated a crackdown on a growing trend of social media creators, often referred to as 'auditors,' who film interactions with vulnerable people in city centers. These creators frequently post the footage to platforms where the videos can garner millions of views. Local officials argue that this practice constitutes the ruthless exploitation of individuals who may not be in a position to consent to being filmed or broadcast to a global audience.

The council is now calling on the UK government to establish clearer legal boundaries to protect the public from this behavior. While these creators often frame their activities as a form of citizen journalism or a test of public transparency, the council maintains that the primary motivation is financial gain through viral engagement. The local authority is seeking legislative support to 'draw a line' regarding what is permissible when filming in public spaces, particularly when the subjects are identified as vulnerable. As of now, the debate centers on the tension between the right to film in public and the right of individuals to be protected from harassment or unwanted digital exposure.