Breach of privacy laws UK and legal action

Breach of privacy by an individual

Breach of privacy by an organisation

What to do if you were a victim of breach of privacy

Breach of privacy in the UK may take a variety of shapes and forms. Breach of privacy could be the posting of intimate images without consent, it could be the publication of images of a family event, it could be the publication of one’s mental or physical health or the fact that a person is gay or has been unfaithful to his or her spouse. Breach of privacy might also occur if someone had accessed your computer or your emails without your consent or have threatened to publish private information, which they accessed without your consent. 

Breach of privacy may affect individuals from different walks of life. It could have an adverse impact on the wellbeing of a celebrity, a sports person or a housewife. Everyone has a right to a private life and if your right to a private life has been infringed, you may bring a claim for breach of privacy.

Breach of privacy by an individual

A claim for breach of privacy could be brought against an individual who published a post on Facebook about the private life of her neighbour or about a conversation that she might have had with a friend, who should have been kept private. At the same time, a male celebrity who might have paid money for a companion or for sexual favours, might also bring a claim for breach of privacy against anyone who publishes this fact.

Breach of privacy by an organisation

It is possible to bring a claim for breach of privacy against an organisation who had been instrumental in the publication of private information. For example, you might take legal action against a newspaper or against a website operator, who published a secret about you, which you never intended to be made public. An organisation could be ordered to pay higher level of damages for breaching ones right to a private life, than an individual. You might bring legal action for breach of privacy against both the individual who published your private information and the organisation who facilitated the publication.

What to do if you have been a victim of breach of privacy

If you have been a victim of breach of privacy, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. There is a period of 6 years for you to bring legal action for breach of privacy but it would make sense, in most cases, for you to take legal action as soon as possible. The first step, of course, is for you to understand the situation you have found yourself in and your legal rights. On this website, we have provided some initial information to help you figure out your legal position and we encourage you to speak to one of our specialist lawyers who will explain to you the entire process of taking action for breach of privacy.