Privacy Laws and the Royal Family. Any hope?

Today a story that has sparked our concerns in the UK once again reflect the issues over privacy laws. Is there any hope for privacy?

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been betrayed by a French publication. The gossip magazine 'Closer' are said to be publishing photographs of Kate Middleton topless whilst on holiday with the Prince. It is suggested that the photographs were taken on a mobile device. A teaser version of the magazine’s front page published on Closer’s website of a woman who appears to be Kate, who is clearly topless.

In the UK privacy laws are in place. In terms of publishing you must not use material that invavdes someones privacy. The human rights acts allows everyone to the right of a private life and family life. These photographs of Kate Middleton were not taken with her concept. She clearly was enjoying a private holiday, and this privacy has been invaded.

Privacy laws are broken all the time by the media, the publication takes this risk and hopes that no one will sue. However a decent publication will try not to break these laws.
Although Kate Middleton has recently become a member of the Royal family the media obsesses over her relationship with the Prince and have followed her life ever since.
The media is obsessed with what she is wearing, where she is, and what she is doing. Celebrities are renowned to be followed by the press. In most cases a celebrity needs media interest, even If it isn't positive. The paparazzi's role does breach most privacy laws. However most celebrities will give the publication their permission.

In terms of this case Kate Middleton has been defamed and is able to take libel action. And I believe the Royal family are considering this. In my opinion, so they should. The French magazine are aware of privacy laws but they have decided to publish this online. It was the magazine 'closer' that took this risk. The publication would know that this would sell, therefore this must of been a motif of profit or just to be controversial. If the case did go to court the magazine could only argue that these photographs are in the public interest. However I do not think this would win.

The Paparazzi's continue to be a problem. Perhaps the punishment of breaching these laws is not enough. The invasion of privacy and the private manner of the photographs would defame the Dutchess of Cambridge. The public could take a prejudice view of her. this is an example that there should be a line between whether the royal celebrity fame and the royal family, the two are very different. The media need to take a step back. Only recently are similar story arose when nude photographs of Prince Harry were published.

But is there any hope? The development of technology has meant that many of us now own a camera on our mobile phones. The ability to capture a picture and publish it online is accessible to thousands. Surely the issue will worsen?

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