On 15 August 2023 Collins Rice J handed down judgment in LCG v OVD [2023] EWHC 2058 (KB). This note does not set out to analyse in detail the complex factual matrix set out in the lengthy judgment, but seeks to address the key practical takeaways from the case on (i) procedural issues (ii) evidential issues (iii) application of privacy law in a social media context, and (iv) the status of the law on harassment. Continue reading
The International Forum for Responsible Media Blog
Category: Harassment (Page 1 of 6)
Brett Wilson previously published a press release on behalf of Dr Erica Smith following the outcome of her harassment and privacy claim against former colleague and UCL academic Dr Christopher Backhouse. The claim concerned a sustained campaign of online harassment, which included the creation of Twitter accounts impersonating Dr Smith and offering sexual services to the public. Continue reading
In 2015, Keeley Richards-Shaw found her name and personal life splashed all over the media. Her photo, her job and links to her Facebook page were all published. She’d been in court seeing her ex-partner sentenced for harassment and sharing sexual images without her consent. After being stalked by him, she said she was now being “stalked by the media”. Continue reading
On 11 October 2022 a unilateral statement in open court [pdf] was read before Nicklin J in the case of Smith v Backhouse. A former lecturer at University College London Dr Christopher Backhouse paid US academic Dr Erica Smith £49,975 in damages to settle High Court privacy and harassment proceedings. Continue reading
There was a substantial increase in the number of new claims issued in the Media and Communications List of the Queen’s Bench Division (“the M&C List”) in 2021. A total of 564 new claims were issued, a 50% increase on the number of claims issued in 2020 (373). For the first time, over 50% of all new claims were in data protection. Continue reading
In Sube & Anor v News Group Newspapers Ltd & Anor (Rev 1) [2020] EWHC 1125, Warby J (as he then was) distilled several points that had arisen from the limited number of authorities that have addressed claims for harassment by publication to the world at large (hereinafter simply referred to as ‘harassment by publication’). Continue reading
This is Part 2 of a two part post dealing with a concrete example of the way in which the Online Safety Bill is should operate. Part 1 set out the example and the applicable duties. It was published on 9 November 2021. The concluding Part of the post deals with the implementation of these duties Continue reading
On 12 October 2021, Oxford County Court handed down judgment in Fairhurst v Woodard (Case No: G00MK161). A dispute between neighbours over the use of cameras for security purposes, the case gave rise to successful claims in harassment and data protection, and offers an important note of caution for those looking to install surveillance systems to protect their homes. Continue reading
One of the many unfortunate side effects of life in lockdown has been an increase in online abuse, with police, cybersecurity firms and charities alike reporting an increase in online stalking and harassment, as well as a surge in cases of revenge porn. Continue reading
One of the many unfortunate side effects of life in lockdown has been an increase in online abuse, with police,cybersecurity firms and charities alike reporting an increase in online stalking and harassment, as well as a surge in cases of revenge porn. Lockdowns cause internet use and screen time to increase, while making it harder for victims to conceal their location or avoid social media. As a result, not only is online abuse more frequent, but its effects can be even more devastating. Continue reading
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