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Privacy


17.06.17

UEA in student data leak

The University of East Anglia (UEA) has admitted accidentally sending an email containing students’ highly sensitive personal information to 298 American Studies undergraduates.  The email in question attached a spreadsheet which contained “extenuating circumstances” justifying extensions for work and other academic concessions.  These are understood to include details of illnesses, bereavements and other personal matters….

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11.06.17

Revenge porn on Facebook

Last month, The Guardian disclosed that Facebook had to assess nearly 54,000 potential cases of revenge porn and “sextortion” on the site in a single month. Facebook defines revenge porn as attempts to use intimate imagery to shame, humiliate or gain revenge against an individual.  The significant number of cases reported to Facebook is no…

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The rise of fake news

In 2016, 82% of adults in the UK used the internet on a daily basis compared with just 35% in 2006. Smartphones and mobile devices are the most popular tools for adults to access the internet with 71% accessing through smartphones. Using the internet for social networking on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and…

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Breach of privacy: BBC ordered to disclose information about Sir Cliff Police source

Although he has settled his claim against South Yorkshire Police (see our blog here), Sir Cliff Richard’s privacy and data protection claims against the BBC arising from the broadcaster’s coverage of the 2014 police raid of his home, continue in earnest. Sir Cliff contends that the BBC’s Dan Johnson found out about the police investigation…

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Breach of privacy: Sir Cliff Richard settles claim against South Yorkshire Police

Following a high-profile, televised police raid on his Berkshire home in 2014, Sir Cliff Richard issued claims against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police for the misuse of his private information, infringement of his Article 8 ECHR right to a private life, and breach of the Data Protection Act 1998. In a recent hearing before…

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3.04.17

Data-gathering sex toy manufacturer pays out $4 million in class action settlement

Standard Innovation Corporation, a Canadian company which manufactures an internet-enabled sex toy under the We-Vibe brand, has reached a settlement in a class action in which it was alleged that it collected and stored intimate data without the consent of the customer. The We-Vibe sex toys are designed to be used with the We-Connect smartphone app…

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8.03.17

Breach of privacy: The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse discloses victims' identities in email error

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (‘IICSA’) has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office (‘ICO’) after accidentally disclosing the identities of 90 victims of sexual abuse who had signed up via its website. The website allowed victims to submit information to IICSA on a confidential basis. Unfortunately, the IICSA sent each victim a ’round robin’ email which…

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5.03.17

Vacancy: 2-5 year PQE media law solicitor

The firm is presently looking to recruit a solicitor with experience in defamation, privacy, harassment and data protection law.  Full details can be found at the firm’s careers webpage.

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21.02.17

Max Campbell interviewed by Russia 24 about online harassment trends

Brett Wilson LLP Solicitor Max Campbell has been interviewed by Russia 24’s International Review programme. Mr Campbell was asked about recent trends including the law relating to ‘revenge porn’ (disclosing intimate images without consent).

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3.02.17

SDT rejects misconduct charge against solicitor who recommended surveillance of opponent lawyers

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has found that Farrer & Co Solicitor Julian Pike did not commit professional conduct when he advised his client News International to arrange the surveillance of two lawyers acting for victims of phone-hacking (understood to be Mark Lewis and Charlotte Harris).  At the time Mr Harris was defending phone-hacking claims for his…

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Legal Disclaimer

Articles are intended as an introduction to the topic and do not constitute legal advice.