Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New York
Website Publishes Names & Addresses
A website has published the names and addresses of all residents
who signed a recent petition. Is this illegal? The petition itself may
be viewed by the public, but this website simply created a list from
the petition and published it. Are there any applicable identity theft
laws? Invasion of privacy laws?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Website Publishes Names & Addresses
If the petition was meant to a public document, then the website is merely publcizing it, same as a newspaper. It can be inferred that by attaching a name and address the petition signer wanted his/her identity known. I see no basis for damages.
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Re: Website Publishes Names & Addresses
It depends. If the petition was published, then the names on the list are public knowledge. If, however, the purpose is to harass and incite violence or some other such improper purpose, then the posting may be cause for civil action, including injunctive relief.
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