What are the privacy torts?
Much privacy law is state law, and may differ from state to state. As general categories, states may recognize interests in: • unreasonable intrusion upon the seclusion of another; • appropriation of the other’s name or likeness; • unreasonable publicity given to the other’s private life; and • publicity that unreasonably places the other in a false light before the public. (from the Second Restatement of Torts, ? 652A) >>top Question: Can I be sued for publishing somebody else’s private facts? Answer: Some jurisdictions allow lawsuits for the publication of private facts. In California, for example, the elements are (1) public disclosure; (2) of a private fact; (3) that is offensive to a reasonable person; and (4) which is not a legitimate matter of public concern. Publication on a blog would generally be considered public disclosure. However, if a private fact is deemed “newsworthy,” it may be legal to print it even if it might be considered “offensive to a reasonable person.” >>top
