Is it illegal to post someone's personal information?
Asked by: Prof. Tom Kovacek | Last update: February 2, 2026Score: 5/5 (35 votes)
Yes, posting someone's personal information online can be illegal, especially if done with malicious intent like harassment, causing fear, or revealing highly offensive private facts, leading to potential criminal charges (like cyberharassment) or civil lawsuits for invasion of privacy, though general sharing isn't always a crime unless it crosses specific legal boundaries. Laws vary, but often focus on intent to harm, creating fear for safety, or publishing highly private, non-newsworthy information, as seen in California's laws against posting harmful info or doxing.
Is posting someone's personal information illegal?
The California legislature passed a law in 2008 which makes it illegal to post harmful information on the internet. Penal Code 653.2 states it is a crime to post about other people on the internet in a way that will cause them harm.
Is sharing personal information without consent illegal?
Disclosure of personal information requires consent from the person to whom the information pertains unless certain exceptions apply. The Act includes the breach notifications for “computerized information,” Cal. Civil Code §§ 1798.25-1798.29, below.
Can I sue someone for posting my personal information?
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.
Is it a crime to post someone on social media without consent?
If you discover that someone posted either photos or videos of you or your family on a social media site without your permission, the first thing to know is that it is illegal. Keep in mind that every platform has a different privacy policy, so the individual that posts may think they did nothing wrong.
Can Someone Post Your Personal Information Online?
What to do if someone posted me without my consent?
You may want to contact local law enforcement to see if it's illegal to post things like this in your state or country. If you want to pursue legal action, you may need a screenshot or other record of the post.
Can you press charges on someone for posting pictures of you?
Yes, you can often take legal action (press charges or sue) for someone posting pictures of you, especially if they are private, intimate, used commercially, or posted with false/harmful information, though it depends heavily on where the photo was taken (public vs. private) and how it's used, with remedies ranging from removal to financial damages under invasion of privacy, defamation, right of publicity, or specific revenge porn laws.
Can personal information be shared without consent?
You can share confidential information without consent if it is required by law, or directed by a court, or if the benefits to a child or young person that will arise from sharing the information outweigh both the public and the individual's interest in keeping the information confidential.
Is posting about someone on social media harassment?
Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
What proof is needed for defamation?
To prove defamation (libel or slander), you generally need to show a defendant made a false statement of fact, communicated it to a third party, with at least negligence (or actual malice for public figures), that it was about you, and that it caused you actual harm or damages, like reputational or financial loss, with truth being a strong defense.
What cannot be disclosed without consent?
The general rule under the Privacy Act is that an agency cannot disclose a record contained in a system of records unless the individual to whom the record pertains gives prior written consent to the disclosure.
Is it illegal to give out someone's personal information in the UK?
In data protection law, to share any information, a 'lawful basis' is needed. But there are six lawful bases available. Consent is just one of them. Consent often won't be appropriate, in which case you should use one of the other five.
What are the consequences of sharing personal information?
Why is oversharing risky? By posting personal details you could make it easier for criminals to learn important information about you. For example: Posting photos from the trip you're currently on could alert criminals that you're currently out of town.
Is it illegal to post someone's name and address on social media?
Privacy violations: Sharing someone else's private information without their consent, such as their home address, phone number, or personal photos, can be a privacy violation. Be mindful of what information you share about others, especially if it could potentially embarrass or endanger them.
Can you sue someone for disclosing personal information in the UK?
Yes, you may be able to make a disclosing personal information compensation claim if your personal data was compromised due to a failure to comply with data protection law, and you suffered harm as a result.
Can someone take a picture of me and post it without my consent?
Yes, someone can post a picture of you without your permission, especially if it's taken in a public place, but it becomes illegal or a violation of privacy (invasion of privacy, defamation, right of publicity) if used offensively, commercially, or if it's a private image shared without consent (non-consensual pornography). You have recourse through platform reporting, legal action (like cease-and-desist letters or lawsuits), and DMCA takedowns, particularly for intimate images.
Can police do anything about social media harassment?
For the police, criminal harassment generally requires threats of violence. Those threats of violence need to be specific and against you. In addition, the police should get involved in cases of real-life stalking that is being combined with online stalking.
Can I get in trouble for posting about someone?
Courts have consistently ruled that social media posts constitute public statements, and anything you share can potentially be used against you in criminal proceedings. Understanding the intersection between social media activity and criminal law is crucial for anyone who maintains an online presence.
Is posting someone's information online illegal?
It is a crime. Under Penal Code 653.2, posting personal information online with the intent to incite others to harass or injure a victim is a misdemeanor offense.
Can you sue someone for sharing your personal information?
A state, city council, municipal corporation, religious organization, conspirators and other legal persons as well as natural persons can be sued for an intrusion or invasion to a person's privacy.
What are the three exceptions to confidentiality?
There are three exceptions where confidentiality might be waived without a consent: 1) client is an immediate danger to self or others (i.e. suicide or homicide); 2) there is suspected child or elder abuse, neglect or maltreatment; 3) in legal cases, information may be subpoenaed by the court.
What are some examples of privacy violations?
Data privacy laws impact businesses that collect, process, and/or use consumer personal information. Some of the most common privacy violations include insufficient legal basis for data processing, unclear privacy notification details, and data breaches.
Can you sue someone for posting you on social media without permission?
If someone posts your photo or video without your permission, you can try to contact them and ask them to take it down if you know who they are. You can then pursue legal action if that person continues to refuse.
Is it worth suing someone for defamation?
Suing for defamation can be worthwhile if you suffered significant, measurable harm (reputational, financial, emotional) from false statements, and you have strong evidence, but it's a difficult, costly process involving intrusive discovery and proving damages, making legal consultation essential to weigh potential recovery against high legal fees and stress.
Is it illegal to post something about someone without their permission?
Posting someone's name or personal information on the internet or social media without consent is a violation of privacy rights and can lead to criminal and civil liabilities.