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Privacy law

Privacy laws exist to protect people’s private lives.

A journalist should avoid publishing details about someone’s private life that will embarrass or humiliate them. Neither should a journalist force themselves on someone or insist on interviewing someone who doesn’t want to be interviewed.

Privacy law is based on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights which states that: ‘Everyone has a right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence’.

Sometimes, the right to privacy can seem in conflict with another human right - the right to freedom of expression (Article 10 of the European Convention). Journalists and judges must strike a balance between these two rights.

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Privacy is an ethical issue, as well as a legal one. The Ofcom Broadcasting Code and the Editors’ Code of Practice both warn journalists not to invade someone’s privacy unless it is warranted by a strong case of public interest.