Am I allowed to publish other people's messages or emails?
May 27, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Tressel
Dear Media Law Attorney,
I have a question regarding the publication of third-party news or emails. Lately, I have received some interesting emails from colleagues and friends that I would like to share with others. However, I am unsure if I am legally allowed to do so without the consent of the senders.
My intention is to publish content that is interesting and informative for my contacts. However, I do not want to risk any legal problems in the process. Therefore, it is important for me to understand what I need to consider when publishing third-party news or emails.
I am currently concerned that an inconsiderate publication of third-party news or emails could lead to legal consequences. I want to ensure that I am operating within the framework of applicable media law and not violating any privacy rights or data protection regulations.
Can you please explain to me if it is allowed to publish third-party news or emails without the consent of the senders? Are there any possible exceptions or special considerations that I should be aware of? What legal aspects do I need to consider regarding the publication of third-party news or emails?
I thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Norbert Mellert
Dear Mr. Mellert,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the publication of third-party news or emails within the scope of media law. It is understandable that you are concerned about potential legal consequences in order to avoid them. I will try to answer your questions as comprehensively as possible.
In general, the publication of third-party news or emails without the sender's consent is legally problematic, as it may infringe upon the sender's personality rights. Individuals have the right to informational self-determination, meaning they have the right to decide which personal information about them is published. Therefore, if you wish to publish emails or messages from other individuals, you should definitely obtain their consent.
There are, however, some exceptions where publication without consent may be possible. For example, if the individuals are public figures already in the public eye and their emails or messages are of public interest. In such cases, the right to information may outweigh privacy rights. Nevertheless, it is advisable to seek legal advice in case of doubt to ensure that no privacy rights are violated.
Another important aspect to consider is data protection. Personal data may not be published without the consent of the individuals concerned, as this would violate data protection regulations. Therefore, make sure not to publish sensitive information that could infringe upon others' privacy.
In summary, it is advisable to always obtain the sender's consent before publishing third-party news or emails and to ensure that no privacy rights or data protection regulations are violated. In case of doubt, I recommend contacting a media law attorney to ensure that you are legally in the clear.
I hope I have sufficiently answered your questions. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Isabel Tressel
Media Law Attorney
