I am in the UK, we have local elections in two months. One of my local councillors, let's call him Mr A, has shown some very questionable decision-making over the last few years. I would like to make a leaflet reproducing some screenshots of Mr A's social media posts, which may include photographs - to remind people what kind of individual this is. In all cases these would be social media posts that this public figure has put into the public realm, however in some cases Mr A has subsequently deleted those posts. He has never published any retraction/apology - he just deletes stuff and hopes people forget what he said. To be clear, I am not a rival of Mr A, I have no intention of putting myself up for election. I just wish to distribute a leaflet to remind other residents that Mr A has not acted with much integrity. I have consulted the UK electoral commission about this course of action, and you are allowed to distribute a leaflet, either supporting, or opposing, a candidate or political party. There are various rules about spending limits and providing an "imprint". I'm asking purely about the copyright implications.
My thinking is as follows:
- We live in a democracy, and every four years we should hold those who are elected to account.
- Mr A is a public figure, who has voluntarily published these views/ideas.
- It is "criticism, review and news reporting" of an elected councillor, to accurately report what they have said and done. Screenshots are the evidence, otherwise Mr A will just deny everything.
- I would not be seeking to profit or benefit from reproducing screenshots.
- I would add attribution to indicate that Mr A was the original publisher, and I am reproducing for the purposes of criticism and review.
