Q: Can I be sued for posting a public Instagram selfie on Threads in Indiana?
Can I be sued for reposting a man's public Instagram selfie on my Threads account? The photo was part of a response to his critique of my body, and I circled an aspect of the photo. The Instagram account is public, and the person commented that what I did is "illegal" and they will sue, but I haven't received any official legal documents.
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A:
When you repost someone's public Instagram selfie to Threads, especially in the context of responding to personal criticism, the legality depends on the nature and intent of your use. Generally, reposting publicly available content is allowed if you're engaging in commentary, criticism, or making a statement relevant to public discussion. Indiana recognizes fair use principles, meaning you have some protection when reposting material for purposes like responding to critique or engaging in public discourse.
However, if your repost could be interpreted as defamation, harassment, or violation of privacy—particularly if you included negative or embarrassing alterations—you might face legal challenges. Even though the original image was posted publicly, the context matters. Your act of circling part of the photo, depending on the implication made, might lead the person to claim defamation, intentional emotional distress, or invasion of privacy.
At this point, since you've received no formal legal documents, it's possible the threat of a lawsuit is merely intimidation or frustration. If you're concerned, removing the repost could defuse tension. Ultimately, it's advisable to consult an attorney who can consider the specifics of your situation and guide you through Indiana's relevant laws.
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