I believe having the photos linger after they are no longer relevant or applicable is libel. Even posting the mugshots originally can be construed as libelous.

I believe having the photos linger after they are no longer relevant or applicable is libel. Even posting the mugshots originally can be construed as libelous. IANAL, but I would hope the technology will adapt (ie sites only publish if the mugshots are 'current' and that is subjective but not too unclear -- when a record is expunged they cease to be useful v. their damages as defamation; and sites be able to delete them when they are not current immediately - even automatically). Otherwise I see no reason why are not liable. Sue them, justice then legislature will follow in a decade or so.. Seriously though I think that's how it works..