Facebook Posts

Private Facebook Posts Permitted in Court

By: Ryan Charder, Esq.

New York’s top Court recently ruled that a plaintiff had to permit access to its Facebook account to the defendant in a personal injury action. This means that even if a user restricts viewing to the most private of settings offered, if the Court determines there is potentially relevant material contained within the user’s profile, it may be fully accessed by the opposing parties. This ruling is likely to be relied upon regarding all social media outlets setting a trend for much less user privacy in New York litigation.

Therefore, as a word to the wise, a heightened sense of awareness for yourselves, friends and family (extra emphasis on our youth) to be cautious with what we post on social media outlets.