Legal Question in Technology Law in Utah

Privacy and Spying Issues Online

Just wondering if it is legal for a person(a private individual) to monitor the activities of another person online without their knowledge or consent? The person has also taken to disclosing information he has obtained on a public forum(chatroom). Methods used that have been disclosed appear to some type of IP address tracing as well as impersonation(using another's chat nickname). To my knowledge, the person has not done this to me, but since I know about it, I feel I have an obligation to check on this for the other victims.


Asked on 2/13/02, 9:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Privacy and Spying Issues Online

Internet chat rooms are a lot like conversations at a coffee shop. Very hard to keep private, and generally the things said are not revealed with an expectation of privacy. However, obtaining another's identity and pretending to be that person is a crime, it is a form of identity theft and can be prosecuted. Any user of a public chat room is at some risk. Be careful.

Read more
Answered on 2/13/02, 11:45 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Computer & Technology Law questions and answers in Utah