Security Guard TikTok Culture: The Viral Trend That Could Be a Legal Nightmare

A security guard stands outside a shopping mall, casually scrolling through his phone. Moments later, he’s recording a TikTok. Maybe it’s a lighthearted clip about his shift, or a funny customer interaction, or footage of an unruly patron. A few hours pass, and the video takes off. Thousands of views turn into millions, with thousands of users discussing everything from his professionalism to the company’s policies. The security firm, however, isn’t celebrating the viral moment—it’s preparing for a legal headache.

Today, more and more security professionals are turning to social media, giving the public an inside look at their daily routines. Some even use TikTok to share safety tips or workplace humor, while others unknowingly capture privacy violations, altercations, or sensitive information that can spark controversy. What starts as harmless content can quickly spiral into lawsuits, job terminations, or reputational damage for both guards and the companies that employ them.

Security firms must tread carefully. While social media offers a chance to humanize the profession and attract new talent, the risks, ranging from defamation claims to breaches of confidentiality, cannot be ignored. Before a TikTok post turns into a lawsuit, security business owners need clear policies, legal awareness, and the right insurance protections in place.

The TikTok Security Guard Trend: A Double-Edged Sword

Security guards are no longer just enforcing rules and maintaining order—they’re also capturing moments from their shifts and sharing them with millions online. Whether it’s a lighthearted clip, a candid take on their profession, or footage of public encounters, security officers are tapping into social media in ways that blur the line between entertainment and professional ethics. These videos may generate engagement, but they also bring serious legal and reputational risks that security firms cannot afford to ignore.

Humorous On-Duty Moments

Not all security-related TikToks are serious—many guards use humor to show the lighter side of their job. A video by @gerald_concan captures this perfectly, as a security guard performs a TikTok dance trend while on duty, clearly enjoying himself. The post received thousands of views, with many commenters entertained by the unexpected mix of professionalism and fun. For security companies, this kind of content humanizes their employees and can make the profession seem more approachable, especially to younger job seekers.

However, there’s a fine line between entertainment and professionalism. While this particular video was lighthearted, similar clips have led to disciplinary action when they disrupt duties or violate company policies. For instance, dancing or recording videos while on duty may give the impression of negligence, potentially damaging a company’s reputation or affecting its client relationships. Security firms need to consider whether social media engagement should be encouraged or regulated—and where they should draw the line.

Sharing Personal Experiences

Some security guards use TikTok to document key moments in their careers, from their first day on the job to their very last shift. In one video, @jawoodall records himself driving home while sharing that it’s his final day working as a security guard. His voice carries a mix of relief and nostalgia as he reflects on the job and his decision to leave. The clip resonated with many viewers, some of whom congratulated him, while others—fellow security professionals—shared their own stories about leaving the field.

This type of content offers a personal and emotional side to security work, giving outsiders a glimpse into the experiences of those who have spent years in the industry. Videos like these can also spark important conversations about job conditions, career growth, and the challenges of security work, which may even influence hiring and retention trends.

However, companies may feel uneasy about employees openly sharing their departure stories, especially if they reveal frustrations with their employer or discuss sensitive workplace issues. While a farewell video may seem harmless, it can subtly impact public perception of a security firm, especially if the guard mentions low pay, burnout, or workplace concerns. For companies, this raises the question: should security professionals be allowed to discuss their jobs freely online, or should firms enforce guidelines to protect their image?

Recording Public Interactions

One of the most concerning TikTok trends among security guards is recording public interactions, particularly when individuals are filmed without their knowledge or consent. A video by @el.prince demonstrates this issue, as it captures a confrontation between a security guard and a passerby. The clip highlights the person’s reaction to the security officer, but notably, their face is left uncensored, exposing them to a wide audience without permission.

At first glance, these videos may seem harmless or even informative, as they depict the realities of handling difficult situations. However, from a legal standpoint, they can violate privacy rights, especially in locations where recording someone without their consent is restricted. If the individual in the video decides to take legal action, the security guard and the company they work for could be held liable.

Beyond legal risks, these videos can also create ethical concerns and reputational damage. If a security guard is seen recording someone in a tense moment, it may amplify conflict instead of de-escalating it. Worse, it can harm the trust between security professionals and the communities they serve, as people may feel targeted, ridiculed, or unfairly exposed online. Security firms must consider strict policies around filming public interactions, ensuring their employees understand the serious consequences of unauthorized recordings.

Legal Risks of Security Guards on Social Media

As security personnel increasingly engage with social media platforms, it’s essential to recognize the potential legal pitfalls that can arise from online activities. Understanding these risks and implementing proactive measures can help prevent costly legal issues.

Legal RiskImplicationPotential Legal Fines in TexasProper Implementation of PolicyPrivacy ViolationsRecording individuals without their consent can breach privacy laws and company policies.In Texas, illegal recording without consent is a felony offense, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.Conduct regular training sessions on privacy rights and legal implications of unauthorized recordings. Conduct regular training sessions on privacy rights and legal implications of unauthorized recordings. Establish clear disciplinary actions for violations to enforce the seriousness of the policy. Utilize monitoring tools to ensure compliance and address infractions promptly. Establish clear disciplinary actions for violations to enforce the seriousness of the policy. Utilize monitoring tools to ensure compliance and address infractions promptly.Defamation & MisrepresentationPosting false or misleading information can damage an individual’s or organization’s reputation, leading to defamation lawsuits.In Texas, defamation is a civil offense with compensatory and punitive damages, capped at twice the economic damages plus up to $750,000 in non-economic damages, while criminal defamation related to financial institutions is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail.Develop a clear social media policy outlining acceptable online behavior. Provide training on the consequences of sharing defamatory content. Encourage employees to report questionable content for review before posting.Breach of ConfidentialitySharing sensitive company information, such as security protocols or client details, can compromise safety and violate confidentiality agreements.In Texas, breaching confidentiality can result in civil fines up to $50,000 per violation for unauthorized disclosure of personal information, $7,500 per violation for data privacy breaches, and criminal penalties including up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail for misuse of government information.Regularly update confidentiality agreements to reflect current policies.   Conduct periodic audits of employees’ public social media activity to identify potential breaches.   Establish a clear reporting mechanism for suspected confidentiality violations.Unauthorized Brand RepresentationEmployees posting in uniform or at job sites may appear to represent the company’s official stance, leading to potential misrepresentation.In Texas, unauthorized brand representation can result in civil penalties including triple damages and attorney’s fees, while criminal penalties for trademark counterfeiting range from a Class C misdemeanor with a $500 fine to a first-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, depending on the retail value of the counterfeit goods.Develop a comprehensive social media policy detailing acceptable use of company imagery and representation.   Provide training sessions on the distinction between personal and professional online presence.   Monitor online platforms for unauthorized representations and address them promptly.Social Media Fallout from Security Guard’s Actions at SM Megamall: A Case in the Philippines

A single moment can escalate into widespread public scrutiny, especially when captured and shared on social media platforms. The incident involving a security guard at SM Megamall and a young sampaguita vendor exemplifies how online exposure can lead to significant professional and legal consequences. You may view the clip here.

Background

On December 17, 2024, at SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City, a security guard confronted a young girl selling sampaguita garlands near the mall entrance. The situation intensified when the guard forcibly removed the vendor and destroyed her garlands. Unbeknownst to the guard, a bystander recorded the altercation, capturing the distressing interaction. The video was subsequently uploaded to TikTok, where it rapidly gained traction and sparked widespread outrage.

Incident Details

The footage depicts the security guard aggressively shooing away the young vendor, who appears visibly upset. As tensions escalated, the guard destroyed the girl’s sampaguita garlands, leading to further emotional distress. The bystander’s recording not only captured the physical actions but also the emotional turmoil experienced by the young vendor. The video’s virality amplified public condemnation and drew significant media attention.

Consequences

In response to the public outcry, SM Megamall’s management conducted an internal investigation and subsequently dismissed the security guard involved in the incident, according to Rappler. The mall released an official statement expressing regret over the situation and reaffirming their commitment to respectful and compassionate treatment of individuals within their premises. The incident also prompted discussions about the treatment of street vendors and the responsibilities of security personnel in handling such situations.

Reflection

This case underscores the profound impact that social media exposure can have on individuals and organizations. For security personnel, it highlights the necessity of adhering to ethical standards and exercising discretion in public interactions. The incident serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that actions perceived as misconduct can swiftly lead to job termination and reputational damage, especially when amplified by social media platforms.

How a Viral Video Could Turn into an Insurance Nightmare

Viral videos can escalate into a significant financial and reputational crisis for security firms. Beyond immediate public backlash, such incidents can lead to complex insurance challenges that companies must navigate carefully.

Cybersecurity Threats Amplified by Social Media

Employees’ social media activities can inadvertently expose companies to cybersecurity risks. Sharing sensitive information or engaging in unvetted online interactions can open doors to data breaches and phishing attacks. For instance, cybercriminals often exploit personal details shared on social platforms to craft convincing phishing schemes, potentially compromising company systems. These breaches lead to operational disruptions and can result in substantial financial losses and increased insurance premiums.

Reputational Damage and Its Financial Implications

A viral video portraying a security guard in a negative light can severely damage a firm’s reputation. This public relations fallout often leads to decreased client trust and potential loss of business. Insurance policies may cover certain aspects of reputational harm; however, the long-term financial impact, including diminished brand value and client attrition, can extend beyond the scope of standard coverage. Proactively managing online presence and swiftly addressing harmful content are essential steps in mitigating these risks.

The Role of Comprehensive Insurance and Proactive Policies

To safeguard against the multifaceted risks associated with social media incidents, security firms should:

• Invest in Cyber Liability Insurance: This coverage addresses financial losses from data breaches and cyberattacks, offering a safety net in the event of a cybersecurity incident.
• Develop Strong Social Media Policies: Clearly articulated guidelines help prevent unauthorized disclosures and ensure employees understand acceptable online behavior boundaries.
• Conduct Regular Training Sessions: Educating security staff about the potential risks and best practices associated with social media use can significantly reduce the likelihood of incidents that lead to insurance claims.

Final Note

Navigating the intersection of social media engagement and legal responsibility is crucial for security firms. While platforms like TikTok offer opportunities for positive exposure, a single misstep can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to establish comprehensive social media policies, provide thorough training for security personnel, and secure appropriate liability insurance.

You want to have peace of mind?

At El Dorado Insurance, we specialize in offering tailored coverage for security guard firms to protect against the unique challenges posed by viral content and online interactions. For more information or a consultation, visit El Dorado Insurance.