Legal Definitions - privacy, invasion of

Privacy, invasion of refers to an unjustified exploitation of one's personality or intrusion into one's personal activities. This is actionable under tort law and sometimes under constitutional law. It can take different forms:

• Invasion of privacy by appropriation: This occurs when someone uses another person's name or likeness for their own benefit, especially for commercial gain. For example, a company using a celebrity's image to promote their product without their permission.
• Invasion of privacy by false light: This happens when someone uses publicity to place another person in a false light in the public eye. The false light may or may not be defamatory or fictional, but the public use must be one that a reasonable person would object to under the circumstances. For instance, a news outlet publishing a story that portrays someone in a negative light, even if the story is not entirely accurate.
• Invasion of privacy by intrusion: This is an offensive, intentionalinterference with a person's seclusion or private affairs. For example, someone secretly recording another person's private conversation without their consent.
• Invasion of privacy by public disclosure of private facts: This occurs when someone publicly reveals private information about another person in an objectionable manner. Even if the information is true and non-defamatory, a cause of action may arise. For instance, a newspaper publishing someone's medical records without their permission.

These examples illustrate how invasion of privacy can take different forms and how it can violate a person's right to privacy. It is important to respect other people's privacy and obtain their consent before using their personal information or likeness.