Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

Releasing Email Addresses and Real Names online

I use licensed artwork. The company in question sells the license to use images/tubes (single element removed from image) for private use. In the TOU, it specifically states that sharing these images/tubes is prohibited.

Recently, it was found that people were sharing packs. The company knows who this individual is that first shared it (the one who purchased the license), meaning they know first and last name. The person shared their pack with a yahoo group owner, who then uploaded the files to a file sharing site and shared the download link to their group.

The company doesn't want to prosecute, naming cost and time as factors. An idea was to post their email addresses (and real names) on a ''Wall of Shame'' on their site. There is some dispute as to the legality of this course of action. Some say it's a violation of law, others say it's perfectly legal.

Is the sharing of someones personal info (including Real Name and/or email address) legal? In this case, there would be no legal action taken against the individual, meaning that it would be solely based on this company's perception of guilt, as opposed to a court of laws determination.

Thank you in advance

1 Answer from Attorneys

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