Q: While in public if a common citizen videos two adults without their knowledge then posts publicly they are cheating
Is this illegal in any state or federally? I recently saw a post of this nature and it really had me worried about any citizens right to privacy. I knew the people and it was completely untrue. If the poster would have taken time to speak to the people in the video they would know the complete situation. Instead two people were blasted for the world to see. Including but not limited to, bosses, teachers, friends, family, and people they have never met
A:
In the United States, laws regarding recording and posting videos of people in public without their knowledge vary by state. Generally, if the recording takes place in a public space where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, it may not be illegal. However, posting such videos online and making false claims about the people in them can lead to legal issues, especially if it harms their reputation or causes emotional distress. This could be considered defamation or invasion of privacy, depending on the circumstances.
If the video was taken in a way that intrudes upon someone's private life or presents them in a false light, the individuals involved may have grounds to pursue legal action. It is essential to understand the specific laws of your state, as they dictate what constitutes an invasion of privacy or defamation.
If you know the people involved and the content is false, they might consider speaking to a lawyer about potential legal steps. It’s also a good idea to report such content to the platform hosting it, as most platforms have policies against harassment and false information. Taking action can help protect privacy and set boundaries for responsible behavior in public spaces.
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