Bellevue, WA asked in Libel & Slander, Internet Law and Personal Injury for Washington

Q: Can I sue for sharing my personal info without consent in Washington State?

In Washington State, if someone shares my personal information, such as a picture of my face, my employment details, and my name, to just one person without my consent, can I sue them? The information was shared without any permission or consent from my side.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In Washington State, there is a legal concept known as "public disclosure of private facts." This applies when someone publicly shares private information about you that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person and is not of legitimate concern to the public.

However, for this to be actionable, the information typically needs to be disclosed to the public at large or to a significant number of people. Sharing your personal details with just one individual may not meet this threshold. Additionally, the information must truly be private and not already publicly available.

Given the nuances of privacy laws, it would be beneficial to consult with a legal professional familiar with Washington State law. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help determine the best course of action.

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