Photo Journalism 4(1+3)

Lesson 16 : Ethics and Legal Consideration for Photojournalists

Invasion of privacy

The Right of Privacy, which made their case for recognition of invasion of privacy as a legal tort. “The Right of Privacy” has become the basis for almost all law with respect to the balance between freedom of expression and individual privacy.

Invasion of privacy is unwanted intrusion on another person’s life. Many countries protect this privacy by law and define it as the right of the person to live a life inseclusion, if desired, without unwanted or undue publicity. If your photographs are used in advertising, trade endorsements, or some commercial media beyond strict news coverage, however, you need the subject’s written permission. It is a generally effective defense against invasion-of-privacy suits, particularly when it specifically explains how and where photographs are to be used. There are four areas of privacy law

1. Unreasonable intrusion into the seclusion of another
2. Public disclosure of private facts,
3. Placing a person in a false light in the public eye, and
4. Misappropriation of a name or likeness for commercial gain.