subject: The Facts on UK Privacy Law and Breach of Confidence [print this page] We all expect a certain level of privacy, whether in our private lives or in the workplace. However, information relayed in confidence to an individual or to a group can sometimes fail to remain private a situation known as breach of privacy, or breach of confidence. Unfortunately, breach of privacy is a common occurrence in both personal and professional relationships, involving anything from personal employee records and medical records, to details of relationships or private correspondence. However, while there is no privacy law on the statute books in the UK, the introduction of the Human Rights Act in 2002 has made it possible for individuals to claim for breach of confidence, or for misuse of private information. Many seek compensation for breach of confidence, while others pursue an injunction to prevent further disclosure of confidential information. It is highly common for individuals to neglect breach of confidence cases, due to a simple unfamiliarity with the requirements of a legal claim. However, there are ways to recognise a breach of privacy case. If, for example, it can be proven that information regarding you was obtained in a way that gives rise to a duty of confidence - for example, financial information given to an accountant in order to complete a tax return, or details of your health at an appointment with your GP you might be able to make a claim for breach of confidence. If such information was used in an unauthorised way, or if you've suffered a detriment from its unauthorised use, your breach of confidence case could potentially be stronger. There are various ways to recognise a breach of confidence case. However, if you believe your privacy has been breached, you might consider speaking with an expert who specialises in privacy and breach of confidence issues. A professional can inform you on whether you hold a privacy-related case, and either provide advice on how to take action yourself, or initiate action on your behalf for instance, seeking compensation or an injunction to prevent any further disclosure of confidential information. Whether a breach of confidence has occurred in your personal or professional life, an expert can direct you with accurate facts and specialised expertise. So, remember that a breach of privacy is never something you should have to endure. With laws and regulations in place to protect individuals and groups from the misuse of private information, it's now possible to claim compensation for breach or privacy.
The Facts on UK Privacy Law and Breach of Confidence
