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What is Invasion of Privacy?

Michael Pollick
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 3,539,472
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The legal term "invasion of privacy" refers primarily to a person's right to keep his or her life private and free from the intrusion of others. It is often associated with a public figure's right to be left alone by the media, although many public aspects of a celebrity's life are not protected. Invasion of privacy charges are usually presented in a civil lawsuit against an organization that has crossed a perceived line into a celebrity or other person's private life, or have used his or her likeness or name in an unauthorized public manner. It would be more likely that a national tabloid would face an invasion of privacy lawsuit than a private citizen.

Modern invasion of privacy laws essentially protect people in four different ways: intrusion of solitude, public disclosure of private facts, false light, and appropriation. The media is protected by the First Amendment right to free speech, as long as the published or broadcast material does not violate personal privacy and is either verifiable as true or presented as an opinion, clearly not a statement of fact. This condition is why many such lawsuits do not prevail in court. The defendant can always claim the information was presented as a hypothetical or speculative piece, and not obtained through any invasion of privacy.

The "intrusion of solitude" claim in an invasion of privacy lawsuit applies to an actual physical or electronic penetration of a person's private home or other personal space. If a person was undressing at home, for example, and someone filmed this without telling the person, he or she could sue for invasion of privacy. The same would hold true for any attempt to break into someone's home to obtain embarrassing or private materials. When a burglar allegedly broke into the home of actress Pamela Anderson and stole a private home video, for example, she could legally sue the person, using the "intrusion of solitude" aspect of the tort law.

In a "public disclosure of private facts" situation, the facts themselves may be completely true, but the method of obtaining those facts and publishing them could constitute an invasion of privacy. Some unscrupulous reporters have been known to rummage through a public figure's garbage to find evidence of prescription drug use or other highly personal matters. Even though the garbage itself may have been placed on public space, the information contained within is still considered personal. A disgruntled employee may also decide to provide personal information to the media, which could expose him or her to a potential invasion of privacy lawsuit for publicly disclosing private facts about a public figure.

A more malicious form of invasion of privacy is addressed in the "false light" aspect of the law. This type of lawsuit is commonly pursued whenever someone deliberately misrepresents the "character, history, activities or beliefs" of another person. When actor Tom Cruise was accused of being homosexual by a male adult film star, for example, Cruise could have successfully sued the individual for portraying him in a false light. Since an unproven claim of this magnitude could have damaged Cruise's reputation in the film industry, there could be actual monetary damages attached to the lawsuit as well. Proving a "false light" invasion of privacy claim can be difficult, but it is commonly one of the best angles to pursue against misleading tabloid headlines.

The fourth aspect involves the misappropriation of a person's image or name. A public figure cannot always control the use of his or her likeness, but a blatant, unauthorized commercial use of a celebrity's image could result in an "appropriation" invasion of privacy lawsuit. If a local restaurant, for example, used a celebrity's name or image in a commercial and implied an official endorsement, it could face an invasion of privacy lawsuit.

This type of legal action is often taken against advertisers who morph the faces of celebrities onto other bodies to imply endorsement of a product. Actor Tom Skerritt prevailed in such a case against a company who used his face in advertisements for a natural male enhancement drug. People own their personal images, and have every right to demand others cease and desist any unauthorized commercial use of them.

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Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to MyLawQuestions, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon1005096 — On Jun 22, 2021

Is it illegal to take pictures and or videos of them using drugs in their own home to use for a custody case in family law?

By anon992073 — On Aug 11, 2015

Well, all of this is interesting, but keep in mind that people who go through all the trouble to obtain your personal information intend to use it in illegal ways. Once one takes the risk of breaking the law and committing a crime, there is pretty much no way to protect yourself.

All the precautions in this blog may help against amateur hackers, but in reality, one's accounts and passwords can be obtained in much simpler ways. I have experience with computer viruses and especially phishers and keyloggers, and anyone reading this article should understand that it is almost impossible to stay 100 percent protected if you engage in online banking or shopping using credit card or other services such as Paypal. Any skillful programmer will be able to tell you that antivirus programs cannot detect all viruses and some can be stealthy and you won't know anything while every keystroke on your keyboard is being electronically recorded and uploaded to someones server.

I only know of the ways I have come in contact with to obtain access to someone's computer, but creative hackers are coming up with newer and newer security breaches. Even a small popup on your web browser could in reality launch a stealthy virus of some sort on your computer.

All this might be frightening and most computer users don't understand the danger they put their private information in when they, for instance, shop online or check their bank accounts. There is an unthinkable number of ways to infect someone's computer but there is only a few ways to protect oneself.

Perhaps the best, but also somewhat annoying and time consuming, is to install a separate operating system on your computer to use for banking and entering confidential information, such as credit card number to purchase something from an electronic store.

By anon991294 — On Jun 09, 2015

An ATV dealer installed a GPS tracking device on a friend's new ATV without his knowledge. The reason they did it was to protect their preferred finance company in case people stop making payments. It ran 3 batteries down and he thought that the ATV had an electrical problem. He had an extended warranty on the ATV and a local dealer said changing the wiring voided the electrical warranty. What can be done?

By anon989784 — On Mar 22, 2015

I play games on the internet one of the workers got my email address and every time I get on he makes sure I don't win or play what can be done about it and steals my points so I can't play.

By anon968326 — On Sep 02, 2014

My fiancé's ex husband broke into my facebook account and copied pictures of my 3 week old baby boy, and my mother. He also has said that my vehicle is owned by my fiancé, which is not true. I feel that I am being harassed and I don't know what to do. Worst of all, what is this guy doing with my sons pictures, and who knows whose hands it could fall into?

By anon959134 — On Jul 02, 2014

Define and discuss the right to privacy. Include where one person’s rights stop and an other person's rights begin.

By anon928662 — On Jan 28, 2014

If an individual logs onto my Facebook account and prints off personal messages between me and another individual without my consent, is there anything I can do to retrieve that information?

By anon357003 — On Nov 30, 2013

If I am a guest in someone's home, in the state of CA, can they legally videotape me (*not* sex related) without my knowledge or consent?

By anon354330 — On Nov 07, 2013

If a place of business that required people to have a copy of a DL for age identification purposes, posted a picture of it on Facebook after the person ran out on the bill, would this hold any privacy disclosure consequences?

By anon352334 — On Oct 21, 2013

If you are married with children and your mother-in-law calls every day and asks a billion questions, personal ones, about you, her son (your husband), and baby, is this an invasion of privacy?

By ngocluan — On Oct 20, 2013

My ex sister in law tells everyone about my private story. What should I do? Please help me!

By amypollick — On Sep 25, 2013

@anon349236: If you are under 18, didn't buy the phone or computer and do not pay the usage bills, then no, it is not an invasion of privacy. Technically, your parents own the phone and computer, even if they were gifts, and can put whatever restrictions they see fit on their use.

It's difficult to say whether they are being overprotective, or whether they have a good reason to put these restrictions on you, which is what I suspect you were also asking.

If you want more freedom with these devices, make sure you're being a responsible person, doing well in school, etc. Make sure they have a reason to trust you. If they're just being overprotective, there's not a whole lot you can do about it until you move out.

By anon349236 — On Sep 24, 2013

If my parents constantly check my computer history and read through my texts and won't allow me to lock my phone and make me tell them my passwords, is that an invasion of privacy?

By anon345181 — On Aug 16, 2013

Does yahoo have the right to access your email account, look at your address book, etc. without your knowledge or permission? They did this to me, later sending me an email stating they had removed "no longer valid" addresses from my address book. I am upset over this, but do I have any recourse?

By anon344361 — On Aug 08, 2013

I suspect my sister-in-law stole pages from my diary. They are missing and her trash siblings are making fun of me word for word with things that I wrote, trying to get a rise out of me. I refuse to react whatsoever, but I want to be smart about this. Can I file a police report and then any type of lawsuit?

By anon341341 — On Jul 10, 2013

Someone who owes me a great deal of money obtained my financial information and attempted to use purchases I made as proof that I shouldn't need my money back. Did he invade my privacy? How can I prove the information was obtained without cause? Is the bank required to provide information on any requests received for financial information?

By anon339990 — On Jun 28, 2013

My husband has child support orders from Ohio that are being enforced by Illinois. He has not been able to find work for three years and I have been unemployed for a little over one year. We are both actively trying to find work.

He had an over the phone court date for a modification to lower his child support. The lawyer was asking about deposits that were put in my bank account. This is my bank account that I've had since before I met my husband. He has never been on the account. The lawyer also stated that he's waiting for my bank statements to see what we spend our money on. As I am not responsible for my husband's child support and the account is not a joint account, has the lawyer invaded my financial privacy? He did not have my permission to access my account. He had no reason to.

By anon338901 — On Jun 18, 2013

I found out that I was monitored during my surgery. Is it legal for them to watch me without my knowledge? Did they keep a tape of me being worked on? Not a very modest person, but who was watching me without my clothes on, getting cleaned, etc? Why are they watching? Don't we have any privacy? Can't we trust anyone anymore?

By anon333748 — On May 07, 2013

My roommate hides video cameras in my bedroom and attempts to film me undressing. But I always find the cameras before he can physically possess the footage. Is this illegal? Because it feels a lot like sexual harassment.

By anon332092 — On Apr 26, 2013

My ex husband gave out my social security number, personal information, divorce court records, my address and whatever he could to individuals that I once knew, who then sent all of my information out to others and emails me to let me know how "she has me". She sent copies of my divorce deposition out to others, she tells everyone how much my settlement was, that I have a therapy history and so on. She then proceeded to slander my business, took over calling herself the real owner of my business and stalks me enough to know when I take my children to school and back.

All of this has not only resulted in a huge loss of income and business, but much more. She then sued my falsely to help him get back at me and made it constant, so that I had to keep spending what little money I had to pay for court fees and attorneys. This is non-stop and I am at my wits' end at so much ugliness over me wanting to divorce my abusive and alcoholic husband. What more evidence do I need to seek a court order on her?

By anon327797 — On Mar 30, 2013

We have a guy who posts pictures of people online. I understand this is not an invasion of privacy if they were not on a private setting on facebook. What concerns me is that third parties comment and spread gossip, innuendo and lies. It has made our town a laughingstock. Many are mad but he does have some followers. I just don't want him to talk about them so they indulge him. He claims it is free speech but he remains anonymous. What can we do?

By anon294595 — On Oct 02, 2012

What is the law on city inspectors going in your backyard taking pictures or putting his hand up over the 6 foot fence to take pictures of your back yard without your knowledge? And is it an invasion of privacy if a neighbor or city inspectors look over the fence or through the fence?

By anon284424 — On Aug 10, 2012

My sister was caught on a camera for driving and has to go to court. Can she beat this? Her lawyer told her to plead guilty to it because they have found her guilty. Can she beat this?

My husband told her that she can beat it because it was invasion of privacy. Is this true? I really want to help her out!

By anon279233 — On Jul 11, 2012

Is it an invasion of privacy if your ex-husband gives your number to his girlfriend and she in turn uses it to harass you into telling you to tell your son to call his father, then threatens with a lawsuit if I don't comply?

By anon277595 — On Jun 30, 2012

Can my landlord's estate agent invade my privacy? The first year it was every three months and now I've signed a two-year contract, they're at it again. Now I've been in this private tenancy for 18 months they are now visiting every six months.

Do they have the right to do this? I did ask the estate agent and they said you would be surprised at what people get up to. I don't think they have this right. What is your opinion on this matter?

By amypollick — On Jun 27, 2012

@anon276998: No, sending one photo is not an invasion of privacy. Presumably, you didn't ask for anything, you didn't threaten her, etc., so it's not an invasion of privacy.

However, since she's told you not to contact her any more, any further contact could be construed as harassment, but probably not invasion of privacy.

By anon276998 — On Jun 27, 2012

I sent a beautiful picture of my husband's son to his non-custodial biological mother via email. She responded by asking me to never contact her and stop invading her privacy.

Is sending an email to someone one time in three years while knowing of their existence actually legally an invasion of privacy? I will never email her again, obviously, but can she prosecute me for emailing her one time?

By anon274795 — On Jun 13, 2012

My car insurance company illegally obtained the phone numbers of my father's place of business so as to harass him for money owed. He is not on the policy, nor is any of his contact information. When I confronted the insurance company, they had nothing to say except social graces and I'm sorry about that attempting to skirt the issue. I am furious and want something done.

By anon271875 — On May 28, 2012

Someone said they had random videos of me. Now is that against the law to record someone and try to use it as blackmail?

By anon269963 — On May 20, 2012

Is it invasion of privacy if I go into my roommate's room and clean it up?

By anon268909 — On May 16, 2012

Can my job have cameras synched to their homes to watch us while we work? My boss literally calls every five minutes complaining of things we do because she watches us 24/7?

By micolino — On Mar 27, 2012

A home improvement vendor knocked on my door and offered a free estimate on a home extension project I want. This was Monday PM, and I was told someone would call me to set an appointment to go over whatever it was that I wanted. The person who came to my house took my name and last name and we left it at that.

This morning I received an alert from my credit monitor service. I checked and realized the company from the vendor who stooped by my house yesterday did a "credit check" on me without my authorization.

What can I do? Can I prosecute for violation of privacy?

By amypollick — On Mar 15, 2012

@anon255124: Yes, you have an avenue for complaint. This is *so* not legal! First, contact the woman's supervisor and tell her what happened. This is a clear violation of the HIPAA Act, which governs how medical information (including contact information) may be released.

You can also file an official complaint with the federal government through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' website. There's a search box on their site that will send you to the correct place, and you will be walked through the steps. There's even a no-retaliation provision, which means if the ex mother-in-law tries to do anything to you, then it's a violation of federal law and that's nothing to mess around with.

Contact her supervisor first, though, and take it to the department director, if necessary, and tell them if you do not get satisfaction, you will be glad to file a HIPAA violation complaint, since, if she had access to your contact information, who knows what else she accessed? This is the *last* thing they want, so I'm sure they will be glad to assist you. They receive federal funding, so this kind of violation could get the whole department in serious trouble. Medical providers take the HIPAA regulations very, very seriously, and a violation is a real crap sandwich. Go to her supervisor. I doubt you'll have any problems after that. Your ex MIL knows the rules, and she deliberately violated them. That's actionable. Good luck.

By anon255124 — On Mar 15, 2012

My ex mother in law works at the department of public health. Recently, she asked my mother for my number because I have cut off all ties with her and her family. When my mother refused, she hacked into my personal files at the health department and got my number. Is this legal?

Not only did she call me, she gave my number to my ex! They are the reason I had my number changed in the first place and they knew I did not want them to have my number. I am really infuriated and I really want to file a complaint against her, but I don't know who to complain to. I feel so violated because I thought at least my medical files would be safe! Is there anything I can do?

By anon252835 — On Mar 07, 2012

This girl on facebook has been harassing me and threatening me to post naked photos and videos to all of my friends and I want her to stop.

I deactivated my page, started a new one and secured it. One of my friends went into the computer and completely blocked her and the person she hacked from their accounts, but she has hacked my brother and sent messages to numerous people including me, giving a website. But I can't access the account my friend said that he found the number on all the pictures and set up a virus on them, so do I have anything to worry about?

The only reason I haven't talked to a lawyer because no one knows about this and I would like to keep it that way.

By anon251680 — On Mar 02, 2012

If I am arrested for underage drinking and using bad words against a police officer and I am under 18, can someone from the sheriff's office (notice I said sheriff's office) go see someone other then my mom or dad and tell them about what had happened with me and whatever I did without my parents' consent? When I was arrested by the police department and not the sheriff's office?

By anon250760 — On Feb 27, 2012

A friend of mine was going crazy or something. She came to my house, barged into my home and then went through my drawers. I do not know what she took or what the motive was behind it.

She has been acting crazy. She tried to take some papers out of my house after being told that I was not home. What can I do about this? Can I sue her for this?

By anon248640 — On Feb 18, 2012

I am being video recorded by my neighbor in his flat on the ground floor. He has placed a cabinet on his windowsill and placed the video camera up looking over my fence into my private garden. His garden is at the front.

I have my god children around a lot and I am very concerned as there are two men living there. One is 21 and the other late in his 40s. I have reported it to the council and the police and I am waiting to see what happens. Is this an invasion of privacy or harassment?

I have complained about the tenant a few times.

By anon247797 — On Feb 15, 2012

Do rental cars have cameras in them? Is this a violation of rights or a protected act (if they do)? What if you find a camera but there is no disclosure on your rental agreement about it?

By anon242563 — On Jan 24, 2012

Can someone file sexual harassment for receiving a single unwanted sexual picture?

By anon241670 — On Jan 19, 2012

My ex not only read my diary but took photographs -- six months' worth -- for him to read on his computer at home. I am so angry.

By anon238281 — On Jan 03, 2012

Do ubiquitous entities such as Google offer an unofficial / unadvertised service to celebrities and the rich, whereby the internet usage patterns of perceived adversaries, can be monitored either in real-time or by on-demand ad-hoc lookups of archived activity history?

Celebrities and the rich could certainly fit the demand profile for such an unethical service either from vanity or from paranoia. And if such services are not formally available, then how long could they be offered under the table for a fee by well-placed unscrupulous individuals within an entity such as google, who might work within the information security or consumer behavioral study groups of a google?

By anon237921 — On Jan 01, 2012

If someone was using subliminal messages or subliminal voice on me, could I sue them? Like if I am now clinically insane? And the fact I didn't sign to agree for this subliminal message stuff? I need help to make this end. It went on for about a year before I figured it out, but I can't tell where the subliminal messages come from!

By anon231891 — On Nov 27, 2011

I received a letter addressed to me which was the result of an investigation that was initiated by a complaint from me.

The letter was copied to the president of our union chapter who later circulated it to 50 worksites with my name still readable. Now I am the brunt of ridicule, bullying and shunned by many. Is this an invasion of privacy and who is responsible if I choose to file a complaint?

By anon231633 — On Nov 25, 2011

If my employer (in Pennsylvania) tells one of my colleagues my salary, what are my options? I believe this has caused one of my coworkers to become jealous. This coworker is a close friend of my manager's, and it seems that they are now trying to find a way to get rid of me. I say this because every time I submit my work, they go over it meticulously. When they find even the smallest error, they make a public spectacle of it. What can I do?

By anon231568 — On Nov 25, 2011

If someone in your family works at a bank and they share your information (deposits made, payments missed, etc.) with people outside of your family, is there anything you can do? What documentation would you need to have so that it isn't a "he said/she said" issue?

By anon226768 — On Nov 02, 2011

If someone posts information about me on Facebook, is it public disclosure if we have no FB friends in common? The person has the information because she is married to my ex and posted it in a derogatory manner. We are not FB friends, but her wall is public. I only found out about it because I was looking to see if they had Halloween pictures of my son on the wall since they refuse to send me any.

By anon225400 — On Oct 26, 2011

If your username and password, along with a thousand other people's, are posted on a public website for anyone to see, is that illegal, and if it is who can be sued: the person or the website (after multiple requests to have this highly sensitive information to be removed)?

By amypollick — On Oct 07, 2011

@krist: If you are a U.S. resident, then most of the documents you mentioned are public record, and you can request copies, if you can afford to pay for them.

You can go to your county health department and request a certified copy of your birth certificate, and to the Social Security office for a copy of your SS card. If by ID, you mean a driver's license, then that's a little tougher, and will require some sneakiness, but it's doable. Go to the county courthouse to the license commissioner's office (where you normally go to have your license renewed) and say you need to change the address on your license and ask for a new one. Use your student post office box at the college for all your addresses, so if anything needs to be mailed to you, it won't go to your parents' home.

As far as your passport goes, having all the other documentation should get you by until you're old enough to ask for the passport back from your parents.

I've never heard of parents having some kind of legal "custody" of their children's ID information until they turn 19 -- especially since legal age is 18 in the U.S. So you could probably get some kind of legal order to have them surrender the documents to you, but in the short term, it would be easier (and cheaper) to just get your own certified copies, and it is completely legal to do so.

By krist — On Oct 07, 2011

I'm just wondering how can one legally (or forcefully) claim all their personal identity files (ID, passport, birth certificate, SIN, etc.) from their parents? Is there an age limit or conditions that need to be met such as moving out?

I'm a college student but my birth month is late so I'm still at age of minor. I need to leave home but I cannot be without all my important documents which my parents claim that they have the right to keep since I'm under 19. What can I do? Are there any other ways other than calling the police if that helps?

By anon219957 — On Oct 04, 2011

My husband's grandparents gave us a laptop for Christmas then when we were separated they took it back. My husband's uncle is a computer hacker so he went into my deleted files on the hard drive, restored them and is now showing a few nude pics I had there to the grandparents and he hacks into almost everyone's email and embarrasses the family to whoever he wants. For example, he hacked into his sister's email account and was showing the grandparents pictures she was exchanging with her boyfriend. I am sick of him. Is there anything I can do to make him stop? I'm back with my husband now and I feel very uncomfortable whenever I'm around his brother because he's so sick and gross.

By anon218730 — On Sep 30, 2011

How can I legally stop my husband's mistress from visiting my matrimonial home? Last time I went home unannounced, I found some clothes she had left in one of our bedrooms. I know she has been sleeping with my husband in our bed too and I am not happy with this kind of 'invasion of privacy'. Can I get an order to stop her from visiting or coming near my home?

By anon213905 — On Sep 13, 2011

We have a private property and it really and legally belongs to us but there is a running water pipeline just a small pipeline constructed by our water district cooperative for our neighborhood water supply. What we should do in order to remove or to transfer it to another location not affecting our neighborhood water supply?

By amypollick — On Sep 01, 2011

@anon210876: No, it's probably not actionable, but here's a hint: un-friend the woman from Facebook and then mark your profile as *private* for friends only, and include posts of all kinds in the lockdown.

If you need to discuss something personal, do it in a private message. Otherwise, if you wouldn't want it on the front page of the newspaper, *don't* post it on FB!

It's not technically an invasion of privacy, since you put it on FB and it wasn't private, but it was certainly unprofessional in the *extreme* of your co-worker to mention something like that in the office.

By anon210876 — On Sep 01, 2011

I have a co-worker who is making friends or snooping on members of my families facebook pages, gleaning personal family information and then telling what she learns at work to others.

A deeply personal matter between me and my brother was talked about between he and my cousin on facebook. She lifted the information and told everyone at my job about my private business. Can I sue her or get a court order to make her mind her own business? She seems to be obsessed with my life.

By anon209792 — On Aug 27, 2011

Someone is putting videos of me on various file sharing sites. I don't know how this person got the videos other than using a program to screenshot them. Is it illegal for them to put them on the internet? I have been trying for years to track down the person doing this, and no sites that he has posted on will help. What do I do to get these videos off the internet?

By anon204605 — On Aug 09, 2011

My kids school took pictures of my kids and posted them on their school website and on their Facebook page. I asked the school to remove them because I did not consent to them taking pictures of my kids or using pictures of them (I actually signed a document that specifically states that the school is not to take pictures of my kids and/or post pictures of them). They've ignore my request. What can I do?

By anon200894 — On Jul 28, 2011

I've read several questions in these posts that demonstrate the gray areas of a right to privacy. The woman whose ex-boyfriend either posted or threatened to post nude photographs and denounce her as a scammer is caught between a rock and a hard place where the law is concerned. If she, at some point, gave the then-boyfriend permission to access those photos on her FB account, then it might be difficult to argue "invasion of privacy" later. Uploading compromising photos to a barely secure website such as Facebook is not a good idea to start with, and is probably in violation of the site's own rules of conduct.

If the now ex-boyfriend decides to repost those pictures in order to humiliate her, he might be guilty of slander or blackmail, but not necessarily invasion of privacy, since she had apparently already made those photos accessible to selected friends on her own FB account. No doubt the man is a first class chump, but if he didn't take those photos himself by hiding in a closet or something, then it may not be considered an invasion of privacy.

The landlord who received numerous non-emergency phone calls from a tenant may also be out of luck when it comes to invasion of privacy. An "unlisted phone number" may only be an agreement not to publish a customer's phone number in the official phone directory. This privacy agreement may not extend to others who have access to the phone company's database or other public information. While the tenant should have used self-restraint and limited his calling to regular business hours at an approved number, using technology to obtain a phone number is not necessarily an invasion of privacy under the law. It falls on the landlord to contact these websites and request that his information be removed from their databases.

By anon176034 — On May 14, 2011

Dose the privacy law allows persons to be sued under privacy law.If the personal information is being made public without his consent. Are there any legal actions which can be taken against such persons. Can these persons can be sued in the court of law?

Is there any charge or a heavy penalty that these persons have to pay?

What evidence is needed to prove this in the court of law?

And if not penalty than what is the longest term these persons be put behind bars?

By anon174280 — On May 10, 2011

recently my house mate moved out without any notice. she broke the agreement she signed so she doesn't receive her bond back.

After she moved out she posted an ad on a public website called gumtree about our house being available for rent. without my consent she gave them the address and my phone number. according to the documents she still lives here, although the landlord knows she doesn't and she no longer has keys. was it illegal for her to give out my details without me knowing?

By anon169942 — On Apr 24, 2011

What should i do? I have an ex-boyfriend who posted all of my nude photos on facebook to all my friends and his, and he also tells me that he will also put it on youtube including my name and address and says that he'll tell the world that i am a scammer.

I had a very quiet life before i met him. We were cool then, but as time passed, it seemed like he wanted to control me, so i decided to end our relationship.

I admit he was a big help, but i didn't ask for the things that he gave me, so now he is threatening me about these things and he also sent me messages that he could kill me. Please help me. i just want to live a simple and quiet life. i don't want bad things to happen, especially since i have a daughter.

By anon164676 — On Apr 02, 2011

I was called on my personal house phone by a tenant I am renting my house to. They repeatedly called my cell phone leaving no message. I took this as a non-emergency and never answered especially because it was after hours (7/8pm) and I was home bonding with my family.

Well, my wife brought me the phone some time later and said it was the tenant. I took the phone and it was not an emergency. The person complaining about materials left in driveway but there was still enough room to park their car.

I asked how she got the number she called and she said she looked it up. I'm guessing she looked it up on the internet because I am unlisted. I use a cell phone for business and that's what was always used for 4-1/2 years. What type of offense would this be considered?

By anon164377 — On Mar 31, 2011

It is obvious that many people feel violated by the various means employed to invade a person’s privacy. Not to scare you, but here is something that is true, and if it bothers you, you should write to your Congressman:

Media outlets have the ability to use cable television sets as cameras that can view what is going on in the living rooms across America without people knowing that they are doing this. The FCC may protect the right to free speech and interpretations thereof, but what about protecting individuals’ right to privacy within the rooms of their own homes? It does not take a course in ethics to understand what a devastating intrusion this is on an individual’s right to privacy and solitude, and how destructive it is to individuals and families. These are not security or police cameras at public locations or street intersections. These are people with nothing more than a degree in English or corporate communications, media or TV, and many unauthorized personnel, some with questionable or even nasty motives that have access to this just because they work for these networks. And they can look into certain homes on any day, at anytime if a person is watching their network. Not only can the networks watch, but they can interpret, criticize, or even attack what they see people doing in the privacy of their own homes, and disseminate these observations throughout the media in various forms using resources at their disposal.

This is the bane of technology. It is an “intrusion of solitude,” and as stated in the article above, applies to actual physical or electronic penetration of a person’s private home or other personal space. And this is not only for “public figures,” but private citizens as well.

This watching or eavesdropping on a family’s private life or discussions about their problems, and using ideas that they pick and choose, for plots and scripts for shows, is not a service to society. Media outlets do not have a special permission to do this. It is a blatant invasion of privacy for no other reason than to create programs that will bolster ratings and add to their coffers. It should cease immediately. People who do this have all the morals and ethics of a blood-sucking leech.

This is not about the right to freedom of speech. It is about protecting the right of privacy of American citizens while they are in the confines of their own homes.

This is going on. And major networks and reporters know it is going on, and the government is well aware of it too. To say otherwise would be a lie. They could not swear before a court in the United States that this is not going on. There should be a law against this on the federal and state levels. The FCC should be addressing this.

By anon153302 — On Feb 17, 2011

i called in. my child is sick and i have to take the child to the doctor. is that invading your privacy when you are not on the clock at work, and co workers see you going on a road and report to bossman that they saw you, and when i get to work everybody is talking about it?

By anon143234 — On Jan 15, 2011

My neighbor has two video cams in his bedroom window aiming at my side door and driveway. At night I go out to smoke. I feel this is an invasion of my privacy. Do I ask him why he is watching me or do I inform the local police? I feel so uncomfortable in my own home. Help!

By amypollick — On Nov 16, 2010

@anon127397: As far as I am aware, in the United States, at least, if the child is under 18, and you bought the computer, pay for the Internet access and pay the bills for the phone they use, it is well within their rights to put whatever restrictions on its use that they wish to.

In fact, as I understand the law, even an adult using your computer in your home that you paid for, does not have even a reasonable expectation of privacy. You can install all the keystroke loggers and NetNanny programs you like and even if you bought the computer for the child as a gift, he or she does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy if still a resident in your home.

An attorney could confirm or deny this, but that is my understanding of the law.

By anon127397 — On Nov 16, 2010

Would a child be able to proceed on a lawsuit against parents who eavesdrop on phone calls and who use a keylogger to monitor use of a computer? Or, does this fall under a parent's discretionary right to supervise their child?

By anon126276 — On Nov 12, 2010

I was off work today and I woke up later to hear a noise in my kitchen. When I went in there I found a man taking pictures. I asked him who was, and what was he doing there, and who let him in? He said the agency give him the key to make some photos for the repairs that have to be done. It gave me a shock.

I told him to get out straight way. what is this? Where is my private life?

By anon122995 — On Oct 30, 2010

Anon 80247, topic 65. I must say this is wrong. If you're talking about people's right to privacy as trash.

You obviously have no idea how bad it feels to be put in the media in a bad context without you knowing until you see it on tv. I bet you've never had that happen to you if you can say such a thing!

By Sally777 — On Oct 23, 2010

Correction to a question below:

A couple of years ago, a certain journalist wrote a very bad review in one magazine about the place where I used to work and placed my picture with some of my personal details in it as a representative of this place!

I was told by my ex-manager to get my picture taken by a photographer for that magazine just for advertising purposes. Later, when I found out the truth I was shocked, but I didn't know what to do. I just have tried to forget about that (but it was always worrying me and I never could find peace in me anymore!) Recently, I met someone who I really liked but he searched on internet by my name, found that review and became very cold to me and we split up! I want to do something about all this, but I don't know what. That review not only harms me on the inside, but is also damaging my name, reputation and my relationships. Please help!

By anon119226 — On Oct 17, 2010

I have recently moved to a new place and currently living in a rental property. The room I rented is without lock and I left my computer in the room. My mistake of not setting a password to lock the computer.

Due to some issues and dissatisfaction, I raised and discussed via chat with a close friend about the landlord. Apparently, from the recent conversation with the landlord, he has touched on the same topic I talked about and it makes me suspicious that my computer has been accessed.

In fact, some of things happened already make it quite obvious. Please advise if this could be considered an invasion of privacy? Thank you.

By anon112934 — On Sep 22, 2010

for years, i have dealt with complete strangers knowing specific and sensitive details about my life. i recently discovered that my diary was stolen and posted for all to see. i have also been strangely followed while in my vehicle and overheard pieces that were a little too close for coincidence. for years, i kept these things to myself.

By anon108507 — On Sep 03, 2010

I thought someone had stolen my identity when I received a letter with their name on it at my address opening a new electric account. I used the account number to log on to the utility website and view the account. I wanted to take my address off, but did not and logged off. Did i invade this person's privacy and do I have legal issues now?

By anon94648 — On Jul 09, 2010

A complete stranger knew that I'd purchased a jacket from a store. When i asked how he knew, i was told that the shop assistant knows his wife and tells her whenever i shop there, how much i spend and how i pay. My question is: Is there any law against this?

By anon92263 — On Jun 27, 2010

Is it invasion of privacy if my neighbor is taking pictures of me entering and leaving my flat because I have a dog? She keeps reporting me to the authorities and submitting photo evidence that I keep a dog in my shared ownership flat?

By anon91534 — On Jun 22, 2010

A local newspaper used a picture of me coming out of a bookie's in an advert for its property section advertising a flat above the shop next door to the bookies. The picture was not cropped to take me and the flat next door out. Has my privacy been invaded?

By anon88933 — On Jun 07, 2010

A local media representative and owner of a local talent agency used my photographs without my permission.

I am a well-known person at the national level which is rooted from an appearance on a certain top network. I returned to my local home and found that this "talent manager" (who was also a "friend") was making flyers with my photo and her talent agency logo next to it.

She is not my manager. What can I do? To me, it seems she is trying to fish people to go into her agency since people know my success nationally. Can I sue her? If so, under what law?

By anon80247 — On Apr 26, 2010

I disagree with the paragraph about "public disclosure of private facts" because once the person has put their trash on the sidewalk it has become abandoned property and anyone can go in it. Police officers do it all the time.

By anon75913 — On Apr 08, 2010

I recently found out that the guy i was dating for less than a month stole my personal files from my memory stick including pics of me and my fiance. I found out when i broke up with him because he was not trustworthy and forever lying about things.

He attached pictures of me and my fiance on the e-mail i sent him. I once gave him my memory stick when he asked to save his company profile and that is how he accessed my files than and copied them onto his laptop.

These files contain all my personal details, a copy of my identity, my banking details, my insurance documents, some of my work information,my pictures etc. When i confronted him about the photos he said it was meant to be a photo album surprise, and now he is busy sending me the pictures.

I am not really worried about the pictures per se, i am worried about my personal information in his possession.

How do you copy someone else's files onto your computer without their permission? I need to know if i have a case against this person, as he is a liar and a thief.

By anon68617 — On Mar 03, 2010

Q: A news reporter wants to run a story about my foreclosure on my home and how i have been able to avoid losing my home for so long.

I stated i did not want to talk to them and they said they were going to run the story and use me as an example anyway. Is this not invasion of privacy? and what recourse do I have?

By david3146128 — On Feb 23, 2010

hi i'm currently living in a rental property and on my last house inspection the real estate agent informed me that the owner has a friend watching the house we are living in, would this be an invasion of privacy?

By anon64052 — On Feb 04, 2010

Question 16: well, they can do anything that they want with boundaries. Watching you while you are in the bathroom, no! That is crossing a line, that indeed is an invasion of privacy and other things as well I am sure.

I would definitely make records of your own and take pictures of the surveillance and call a lawyer to stop this harassment. Good luck!

By acireo78 — On Jan 24, 2010

can my employer fire me for something that happened totally outside of work, and do they have the right to check into my bank accounts to perform an investigation without my OK on it? I was working at a bank.

By anon61796 — On Jan 22, 2010

in response to question 17: yeah on both counts, based on the fact that there were unfair decisions that were later reversed.

You might want to look at malicious prosecution because i can clearly see that the state agency wants to take your child or children away from you when you do decide to have any.

By anon61793 — On Jan 22, 2010

in response to question number 43: yes and no. yes because it is a private account and no, because it probably was needed for property tax purposes.

However, if your bill has not been submitted after careful review of the property tax report of your address then i think you have a good case. A definite case is if your landlord were to contact the utility company and invade your home. Keep a note of it. I detect a violation of lease agreement or anticipatory breach of contract.

By anon61791 — On Jan 22, 2010

If you don't work or have a valid source of income your in for a toll. However, if you got your own legitimate cash monies minus illegal trade negotiations then i would tell them to view the eclipse. Other than that i'd just do what they say.

By anon61790 — On Jan 22, 2010

in response to question 45: yeah, she can sue you. However, unless you caused reckless or negligent damages, you cannot go to jail. lastly, the only way you can legally sue your parents is if you were subject to unlawful restraint and your children were taken away from you into her custody, meaning she called the police to have you arrested on a fictitious complaint to label you as an unfit parent.

Look for another place to stay other than your parents' house. Then see how she will pay the bills.

By anon61789 — On Jan 22, 2010

in response to question number 46: there is minimal effect on what you can do in this situation. okay, you might have a "peeping tom" however, if no force, wresting, shoving, pushing, pulling occurs, you are just a cctv superstar.

By anon61788 — On Jan 22, 2010

in response to question number one: heck no! that sheriff or cop violated a delinquency statute and possible forfeiture of job can result under your state's "tenure statue" law. tell your parents to sue pursuant to (Jones v. Hunt 410 F.3d 1221) this is a recent case held in 2005 (10 cir. 2005).

By anon61783 — On Jan 22, 2010

in response to question number 4:8 i think you have too much time on your hands. first off what type of obscene gestures is this person making and why have you not notified your husband? i think there is a hidden agenda and the neighbor is either safeguarding himself against you or is trying to be protective of you. figure it out

By anon61781 — On Jan 22, 2010

in response to question 47: the answer is no, a person does not have a legal right to post personal information about you. this type of crime is illegal based on the fact that the information was obtained for malicious purposes such as stalking, harassment etc.

Furthermore, the actual police officer can be charged under color of state law for giving personal and identifiable information about you to inquiring citizens and or public figures. the open public records act cannot be a defense if you have taken the proper steps to safeguard your identity from prowlers and or unwanted people in general.

in closing, yeah you've got a lawsuit however, since a cop is involved it is going to be a grueling process to win.

By anon60731 — On Jan 15, 2010

My neighbor has two cameras facing my living room window. He watches us all the time -- I can't even open my blinds. he has called me names and has given me obscene gestures. he does this when my husband is gone or he thinks my husband can't see him. what legal action can i take?

By anon60395 — On Jan 13, 2010

My girlfriend's ex-husband suddenly found out my name, address, vehicle and home phone number. We don't know how he even knew I existed and how he even knew my full name to search for me through public access. I'm thinking he ran my license plate number to get this info.

So can I sue him for snooping around for my info instead of simply asking? How about if he were to have asked a law enforcement officer for this info? Is it legal to look up/disclose information about me for no apparent reason?

By anon53820 — On Nov 24, 2009

Can i sue my neighbor for placing a video camera facing towards my house? He also snoops around and looks over the fence. I'm trying to sue but i'm not sure if i can. Also what will i need to prove this? I've taken pictures of the camera but is there anything else i can do? thanks.

By anon53198 — On Nov 19, 2009

My mother has been conspiring against me with several people to force me into giving up my kids to her.

Because I knew her e-mail password, I checked her e-mail to find the messages to prove what she has been doing. I did find the proof and it does prove what she has been doing and what an evil witch she is, but the problem is, I have been told I can't use the e-mails as proof of what she has been doing.

Did I commit a crime and if so what can happen to me if she sues for invasion of privacy? Can I be arrested? She gave me the password years ago. Thank you.

By anon52610 — On Nov 15, 2009

I am 19 and though i still live at home i feel that my privacy has been invaded by them drug testing me, watching me while i fill out my job apps online or even mess around on the internet, opening my mail, restricting me from leaving the house at all, looking through all of my phone messages, and being put on "lock down" and having no contact with anyone just because i have my MMJ license?

By anon51705 — On Nov 08, 2009

Is it invasion of privacy if your landlord calls a utility company and they tell how much you owe?

By anon49775 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 9 if these anhydrous tanks are in the line of sight of your property "hell no!" You do have the option of placing a fence to prevent unwanted surveillance. Otherwise you have no legal basis for a complaint unless he installs cameras above the normal surveillance level after you install the fence and if that is the situation then "hell yeah!"

Due to the fact that the adjusting or installation of new cameras after the installation of a screen or fence to prevent unwanted surveillance does mean that maybe a person is stalking you.

By anon49773 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 14, yes it is invasion of privacy. Also it is a direct infringement upon the computer abuse and fraud prevention act of 1986. This is a federal case that needs to be brought to the supreme or state superior court's attention. It means that your paramour is fatally obsessed with you and is cyber stalking you.

By anon49772 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 11 you should file a complaint for invasion of privacy and it does breach confidentiality agreements. should this person have some type of clergy or medical certification other than that i would say it is "invasion of privacy via a third party" and that in itself is a coercive practice known as a intentional tort based on the fact that this person has abused your trust and has also subsequently or coincidentally abused an authority of trust.

By anon49770 — On Oct 22, 2009

Update on comment 26 the correct citation for the disability discrimination is:

sec. 504 Ada (americans with disabilities act)

or

title 42 chapter 126 sub chapter i section 12111 subsection (10)

go for it. i did and won now i suffer from probate and "big biz" still don't stop.

By anon49769 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 17 i was wondering does this person have a "parentis locus" over you. if not then this is invasion of privacy. Even if there is "parentis locus" the initial complaint is to filed according to emotional distress, libel, slander and public and private defamation of character.

By anon49768 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 21 tell the principal that if your child is suffering from emotional distress or has become overexerted failure to provide recess for your child is an infringement upon:

title 504 and or 508 of the ada (americans with disability act).

By anon49767 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 24 again this is a "conspiracy against rights" especially if the companies you file or may have filed are overlooked. Possible cause for reasons meaning the judge may be corruptly influenced or induced the "threatening, alarming,unwanted and or annoying" contact.

By anon49766 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 16, yes this is definitely an invasion of privacy and you should get a detailed explanation of people involved and file a civil complaint and a complaint for stalking. It's the law and the law is the law.

By anon49764 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 20, i think you may like the attention. In order for you to have a complaint of sexual harassment this guy must subject you to cruel and unusual punishment along with severe bodily injury. If this does not exist possibly this guy is attracted to you. Talk to him and find out why?

By anon49751 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 26, all you need is proper documentation of the complaints filed along with each and every time your complaints were denied and pursue a complaint in accordance with:

1. 42 Usc sec 504 and or 508 (disability discrimination)

2. 42 Usc sec 14141 (pattern and practice)

3. 18 Sec 241 ( conspiracy against rights)

File that and tell them big biz got game. if they still deny your complaint sue each and every person responsible individually.

By anon49749 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 23, yes you can sue for "invasion of privacy" and stalking possibly identity fraud and theft. This is know as corporate fraud. Otherwise known as a "tort" especially if you did not sign a direct contract to have your personal information obtained. Meaning your company must provide a valid proof of signature and a direct reason for wanting to profile your credit report. Lastly, to gossip about what they have obtained is just an infringement upon a confidentiality agreement and also further constitutes an "antitrust agreement" should this company want to provide your employment obligations contract.

By anon49747 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 25, this is slander and invasion of privacy, especially due to the fact that there was no stipulated reason to notify your landlord of you *and* you can file a civil complaint based on stalking and or unwanted solicitation of undisclosed and or irrelevant facts pertaining to your criminal background other wise known as "malicious prosecution based on prior disposition."

By anon49746 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to question 28, no this is called a nausiance and would have to be based on a factual basis. For example if the zone noise level is set at 2 decibels and that box is making a noise above that range a "special permit" needs to be obtained in order for a noise ordinance now repealed "nausiance" to remain operational.

By anon49743 — On Oct 22, 2009

In response to comment 19, yes this is an invasion of privacy based on the material fact that this information was not required for any type of specific purpose other than gossip and or debunking of a professional civil character.

By anon48141 — On Oct 09, 2009

My AT&T power supply Box generates humming noises. (Is about 20-21 feet away from my master bedroom). Even when they had installed a suppressor noise kit I still feel the noise and can't even open my windows as I did before the box got installed. Can the noise action be consider as an invasion of privacy? please advise Thanks Tz

By anon44570 — On Sep 09, 2009

I am doing some research and need to know: if the government checks the books people read so they can determine who might be a threat, can this be called an invasion of privacy?

By anon43669 — On Aug 31, 2009

The same things have been happening to me as Anon26049 for several months now, at least. Whenever I try to confront someone, it is denied. When I try to explain to someone, I am made to feel mentally unstable. When I try to seek legal assistance, I am told that it would be difficult to prove.

By anon41307 — On Aug 14, 2009

I am on house arrest for a secondnd DUI. I know, dumb right.

My concern is this: The home monitoring company contacted my roommate and told me roommate about my case in detail. My roommate was not aware of my case and my roommate is my landlord. What to do?

By anon40616 — On Aug 09, 2009

9788 i was also wondering about the same thing. where are my rights as a private citizen? have you heard anything else regarding this.

By anon40216 — On Aug 06, 2009

Several co-workers looked up my credit history and other information and then came in the office and told other co-workers what they found. What should I do?

By anon37843 — On Jul 22, 2009

Principal tells my child I am a bad mother. The circumstances are, a child with a disability needs proactive parents. I eat lunch and then take my child outside to run to reduce the hyperactivity. Principal told child Mom's bad and told him if he was caught leaving the cafeteria he would be punished.

By anon37570 — On Jul 20, 2009

Every time my daughter or myself are busy working in the garage or outside and our neighbor drives by he will slow down and watch us, sometimes he will walk to our driveway and watch us. He does not do this with my husband or son. Is this invasion of privacy or will this be classified as sexual harassment? Can you please advise what we should do?

By moose6 — On Jul 14, 2009

My son and his girlfriend are having a baby. Her step-dad is the postmaster in our small town. My son lives with us and receives his mail in our p.o. box. The girlfriends step-dad called *her* and told her that my son had two bills in our p.o. box and told her who the bills were from. Is this an invasion of privacy?

By anon35509 — On Jul 05, 2009

I was a victim of crime when I was a child and when I became an adult I came forward as a victim of crime and through Crown Counsel successfully had the perpatrator of the crime charged for the offense that was committed on me.

I wrote a victim impact statement that was for the purpose of sentencing the perpetrator.

My ex-wife took my Victim Impact Statement with out my permission, and is now trying to use it to portray me as an unfit parent because of my childhood victimization.

Is this an invasion of my privacy as a person and as a victim of crime?

By anon26049 — On Feb 07, 2009

Can my employer team up with my landlord & neighbors

along with other employees and watch every move I make? This is all done with special surveillance equipment. I have heard them talking about me and

seen them watching me even when I am in the bathroom.

By anon23276 — On Dec 20, 2008

hi there. My ex-husband hacked into my sisters email and now he is forwarding her personal emails to everyone and even going to the extent of threatening me to email her husband her personal emails before she was married. She is in a total state about it as we are unable to stop him as we are not sure what to do and how we can. we have proof that he is sending the emails on as other people has also approached us about the emails they have read send from her email address. Please advise us what we can do about it, he is ruining her life. thank you

By gotohell — On Nov 26, 2008

My privacy has been invaded by the united states government. They have crucified me for many years - and will not stop. On February 16, 1994, they falsely accused me of arson - they have ruined my entire life. I want them to go to hell - I want them to suffer as I have suffered. A job for a job.

By george2 — On Nov 14, 2008

Thanks - this was very informative and answered many of my questions.

By sapphire — On Sep 18, 2008

My reputation is being slandered by members of administration at my school. I was in the hallway the other day talking to a friend, and when I left, they called her into the office and questioned her as to what i was telling her and wanted to know details of our conversation. I feel this was wrong in many ways......and some type of invasion of my privacy as well as hers.....help me out here!

thanks

By anon17382 — On Aug 28, 2008

what if teachers at school look through your cell phone and text people without your permission and have no reason at all to search it?

By anon17341 — On Aug 27, 2008

The coop down the street has cameras to watch their anhydrous tanks however, they all face my house. The creep sits in his office and watches me in my own yard. Any grounds here?

By kimo — On May 26, 2008

Like Rmyers I have neighbors that have a trampoline that obviously defeats the purpose of our privacy fence. It is so close to our fence that their children hold on to is as the other children are jumping on the trampoline. Are their grounds for an invasion of privacy lawsuit or possibly trespassing? Thank you!

By Rmyers — On Apr 30, 2008

My neighbors have built an illegal addition on the back of their home. several children are now living there. In order to complete the addition, they moved their trampoline immediately adjacent to our block wall. The children are extremely loud and even though we have asked the adults in the house to monitor the children, every time we sit on the back porch, the children now just yell to annoy us. It's made using our backyard almost unbearable. The police have been out on many occasions. I have begun to collect videos of them. Do you believe I have grounds for an invasion of privacy lawsuit?

By anon9788 — On Mar 13, 2008

I would like to know if Google and The White Pages.com are committing invasion of privacy by having peoples homes on their websites, driving directions, address, and you can even do the "birds eye view" to see where the house is!!! I do not like this, I have my telephone number unlisted but what does that matter if someone wants to they can just come to my house, I think we should be able to have say in whether we want people to see that information. Even more now I was an owner of a business where people were shot and I don't feel safe already, then when i saw you can type my name in and find out where I lived I was furious, is there any legal action to be taken here or do we just not have a choice?

By anon9060 — On Feb 27, 2008

Recently I have learned that for the past four years an individual who works for the phone company that provides me with cellular service, has been accessing my call logs and passing that information to a third party.

That third party has been using that information to contact people that I call on a regular basis in order to obtain information on me. Is there any legal action that I can take against the individual/s or the phone company in light of this intrusion and harassment.

By noprivacy — On Jan 12, 2008

My landlord is creeping me out. Please help, I want to feel comfortable in my home. What are my rights?

My landlord has 6 surveillance camera's (which I thought were sensors for the security lighting) watching the property I rent. It's a side by side duplex and the landlord lives in the other side. When I moved in, there were no curtains on the large windows facing the direction of the camera's, which allows him to see most of my bedroom and the kitchen through to the living room. Literally, while I was searching through my bedroom closet for curtains to fit the remaining windows, my landlord calls me to let me know that I could store the rest of the curtain supplies, that he left in that one closet, in the basement if I need the closet space. Ohh!!! He was watching me through the window with his camera. Do I have any privacy rights?

There is no insulation between the connecting wall and I can hear him sneeze from my side. He did not disclose this problem until after I moved in with my two children. He suggested I buy some headphones (like he has) for my TV. I had him meet my children before I agreed to move in (on a Month-to-Month lease). My kids are good natured but they are kids and I wanted the landlord to know that before I moved in. We do not play loud music or crank the TV and my kids have good manners. For 6 years I used to run an in-home daycare and we had strict rules such as no running or yelling in the house and outdoor games outside, so I didn't forsee any problems. One day at 6:00pm, my kids were rolling around on the living room floor tickling each other and giggling when the landlord knocked on my door complaining that the kids had to quiet down or I was going to have to find a new place to live. He complained that his windows were vibrating from the noise. My windows don't shake (we have new windows). He had also taped my daughter having a tantrum (with his audio recorder) which he had transferred to his computer and played it for me. Yes, it was loud but it lasted 1 1/2 minutes. Her tantrum occurred at 4:00 pm when her father had dropped her off (she was half asleep). She couldn't get her snowpants off and climbed under the kitchen table kicking and crying. I could not get close to her to calm her down but I did splash her with cold water to get her to wake up. She calmed down quickly when she realized where she was. I'm paying to rent this space and I believe I have been more than courteous by making sure my kids behave and are respectful of others. I don't feel comfortable with allowing my kids to have their friends over or a babysitter come in because it might get too loud and I can't afford to move again so soon. If anyone can direct me to online help I would appreciate it.

By anon4450 — On Oct 18, 2007

My husband and I are under video surveillance in our road and the children are also vidoed with me in the car, my husband had an accident at work and it is the defendants who are watching him. Is this an invasion of privacy for me as I am not the one who had the accident nor the children. They have also given incorrect information about myself in an observation report which is a blatant lie, what can i do about this, do i have any rights?

Thank you

By th3indian — On Aug 16, 2007

If i am arrested for underage drinking and using bad words against a police officer and i am under 18. Can someone from the sheriffs office ... Notice i said sheriffs ... Go see someone other then my mom or dad and tell them about what had happened with me and what ever i did w.O my parents consent?? And when i was arrested by the police department not the sheriffs office...

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to MyLawQuestions, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide...
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