Privacy Laws - Know your Rights

Do you have any of your personal information out there on the internet? Are you concerned about your privacy?  Do you own a blog or a website, participate on Facebook and Twitter or use your credit card to buy products online?  If you do (which I'm sure the majority of us are) you need to be aware of your privacy rights and the laws that protect it here at Olender Feldman.  Invasion of your privacy can be very scary.  Unfortunately having your information out there on the internet makes it that much easier for someone to invade your privacy. Invasion is when someone unlawfully intrudes into your private affairs, or discloses private information, or uses your name for personal gain.  Since most of us have our names out there this can happen very quickly and easily, most of the time without our knowledge for a long time.  

Modern tort law includes four categories of invasion of privacy:

1. Intrusion of solitude: physical or electronic intrusion into one's private quarters.

2. Public disclosure of private facts: the dissemination of truthful private information which a reasonable person would find objectionable

3. False light: the publication of facts which place a person in a false light, even though the facts themselves may not be defamatory.

4. Appropriation: the unauthorized use of a person's name or likeness to obtain some benefits.

So it is very important to be as careful and proactive as possible.  Constantly check your privacy settings on sites such as Facebook, email and online banking sites.  Don't share too much information on the web.  Keep a constant eye on your credit report and bank accounts.  Lock your Smartphone and don’t store to much personal information on it, in the event it is stolen.  Remember to report stolen wallets, credit cards or disputes on your credit report immediately.  It's always better to be safe than sorry.  Staying on the offensive side of your privacy can help you save a lot of time and hassle down the road.