Life Event: Privacy Violated

Most people value their privacy. That's why houses have curtains, bathrooms have stalls, and it's socially unacceptable to ask a lady her age. It's not just a matter of emotional comfort or modesty either. Privacy can also be a security issue. We keep our ATM pins private, our social security numbers secret, and don't hold sensitive conversations on speakerphones. Given this innate need for privacy the violation of that privacy can have devastating consequences. The public revelation of information you believed was private can be upsetting but it can also destroy a relationship, get you fired from a job, and land you in court. Make sure you know how to safeguard your privacy and what to do when it is violated.

Your Privacy Rights

• Your state's Consumer Protection Office can offer help and answers for many question dealing with privacy and the invasion of it.
• Get the facts about your rights to limit the use of your personal information by financial institutions and be on the alert for opportunities to assert your rights and opt out of information sharing.
• Understand your rights and the steps you can take to keep your medical information private.
• Know that your medical information and conversations with your physician could be reported to your insurance company and ultimately your employer.
• Strict regulations guard the privacy of all those involved in the adoption process.
• Know how laws about education records affect you and your minor children.
• You have the right to privacy in your home, and that includes one you are renting.
• Get the facts about photographs and videotapes and when someone has to get your permission to photograph or film you or if the rules change if you're on private property.

Privacy and Employment

• During the hiring process there are a lot of very personal questions an employer may ask, find out what they can and can not legally ask you or what tests they can require you to take.
• Get answers to frequently asked questions about your privacy rights and the hiring process.
• Find out what types of medical and drug screenings are permissible.
• Know what you rights are in relation to background checks.
• Get answers to frequently asked questions about your privacy in the workplace.

Privacy and the Internet

• If you have children, get the facts about the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 and the protections it offers children under the age of 13.
• If you run a commercial website or online service for children, make sure you comply with the Children's Online Protection Act of 1998.
• Know how to disable cookies placed on your computer by websites you visit which invade your privacy.
• Get the latest information from the government on Internet Crime Prevention Tips.

Privacy and Telephones and Telecommunications

• One of the most common invasions of privacy are the unsolicited marketing calls that always seem to interrupt dinner; get the facts about how to stop them.
• To minimize telemarketing, make sure and put yourself on state and federal do not call lists and update every few years or as your phone number changes.
• Before there was email spam there were junk faxes which caused the creation of The Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

Privacy and Government and Public Records

• A lot of agencies and companies ask for your social security number, many of which have no right to do so. Get the facts about your rights to keep the social security number private.
• Understand the Privacy Act of 1974.
• Get the facts about privacy and your juror information.