How can I protect myself against unauthorized publication of my personal data on the internet?
April 29, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Nina Koch
Dear lawyer,
My name is Fanni Köhler and I am reaching out to you because I urgently need help. Some time ago, I discovered that my personal data was published on the internet without my permission. These are sensitive information such as my address, phone number, and even my credit card number. I am deeply concerned about how this data could be misused and how I can protect myself against it.
The unauthorized publication of my personal data has put me in an extremely uncomfortable situation. I feel violated in my privacy and I am afraid of the possible consequences this data publication could have for me. I have already tried to contact the operators of the websites where my data was published, but so far without success.
Therefore, I would like to ask you what legal steps I can take to protect myself against the unauthorized publication of my personal data on the internet. Are there ways to force the operators of the websites to delete my data? And how can I better protect my data in the future to prevent it from being published again?
I would be very grateful if you could help me in this matter. I urgently need legal advice and support to restore my privacy and protect myself from further harm.
Sincerely,
Fanni Köhler
Dear Mrs. Köhler,
Thank you for your inquiry and for trusting in my legal expertise. I am sorry to hear that you have found yourself in such an unpleasant situation. The unauthorized publication of sensitive personal data on the internet can lead to significant problems and greatly compromise your privacy. It is important that you respond appropriately to protect yourself and avoid potential consequences.
In terms of the legal steps you can take to protect yourself against the unauthorized publication of your personal data on the internet, there are some options you may consider. First, you should gather evidence, such as screenshots of the relevant websites containing your data, as well as any communications with the website operators in which you have requested the deletion of your data.
Next, you can hire a lawyer to help you initiate legal proceedings. In Germany, there is data protection and the right to informational self-determination. If your personal data has been published without your consent, this may violate data protection laws. Your lawyer could request a cease and desist declaration from the website operators and potentially claim damages.
Furthermore, you could also involve the relevant data protection authority to file a complaint. The authority can investigate in such cases and potentially take action against the website operators.
To better protect yourself from future re-publication of your data, you should review your online activities and ensure that you only disclose your data on trusted websites. It is also advisable to use strong passwords and change them regularly, as well as to review and optimize privacy settings.
I hope this information helps you and answers your questions. If you need further assistance or legal advice, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Nina Koch, Attorney at Law
