Are IM conversations private property?

Question

I'm curious about the legal fallout of posting private conversations on a public blog. Can I be sued for that?

Answer 1

The moral thing to do is get permission from the other person before you go posting their conversations.They could try to sue you,but I'm not sure how successful they would be. Posting a conversation that is supposed to be private is just wrong. Why would you want to do that? Unless you're trying to start trouble.To be on the safe side,get permission from the other person first.

Answer 2

Anyone can be sued for just about anything, real or imagined these days. Will they be successful in their lawsuit? Who knows?Everyone should remember that EVERYTHING they type at their internet connected PC goes somewhere and stays there for a good while. You can bet that someone has read it, probably several someones have read it. If a person wants real privacy, the spoken word in the company of no more than 2 is the only secure way to communicate.


Yes, they can sue. Will they win? Who knows? When I speak with another person, they can rest assured that their words go no further, unfortunately, many people don't have the integrity to not gossip and spread what they hear.

Answer 3

No, when you receive a communication it is yours. Never say anything in an IM you wouldn't want your mother to read! LOL

Of course, if you are gossiping and there is unsubstantiated information about a recognizeable person, then you could be sued for libel.

Answer 4

If you defame a second party, you can be sued. If you do not defame another, you should have no concerns.

Blogs have been the basis of legal action when persons threaten or slander other parties.

For instance, if you threaten the President, the secret service will knock on your door quickly.

Answer 5

When you hit sent that IM is now public property for all to view.
Just like talking in public if someone over hears you they can hold you accountable.

Welcome to the wild wild world of the internet.