{"id":353479,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy-public-disclosure-of-private-facts.html"},"modified":"2025-08-07T16:16:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T21:16:36","slug":"invasion-of-privacy-public-disclosure-of-private-facts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/invasion-of-privacy-public-disclosure-of-private-facts.html","title":{"rendered":"Invasion of Privacy: Public Disclosure of Private Facts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Invasion of Privacy: Public Disclosure of Private Facts<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Sharing someone else’s personal information is called the public disclosure of private facts. This act may be more serious than simply spreading gossip. It is be a civil wrongdoing (tort) under the law.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The publicizing of private details without consent could cause significant harm. You have a right to privacy for certain information about yourself. That also means you can sue a person who makes that information public. The tort of “public disclosure of private facts” is a state law claim of invasion of privacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Understanding this type of invasion of privacy can help you determine your legal options. A lawsuit could compensate you for the harm you have already suffered and stop further harm.<\/p>\n

This article explains the basics of a public disclosure of private facts case. If you need more information, contact a defamation and privacy law attorney<\/a> near you.<\/p>\n

What To Know About Invasion of Privacy Laws<\/h2>\n

Personal privacy law has evolved through rules created by judges over time. The historical case precedent that has resulted from these rules is known as common law. When it comes to civil lawsuits for wrongful conduct (known as torts<\/a>), many states are common law jurisdictions.<\/p>\n

The right to privacy is enforced through four invasion of privacy claims (causes of action):<\/p>\n