Have you been affected?
What's it all about?
News of the World executives are being accused of acting illegally by gaining information via journalists and/or private investigators to listen into the private telephone conversations/ voicemails of well-known public figures. Phone hacking is illegal under Section 1 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
In 2007 the News of the World's royal correspondent, Clive Goodman, was jailed for four months for phone hacking; the paper's then editor, Andy Coulson, had resigned two weeks prior to Goodman's conviction.
The phone hacking allegations have remained in the media. Now, further celebrities are coming forward because they suspect they were also victims of phone hacking by theNews of the World. Their suspicions have been aroused because stories have appeared about them in the press which could only have come to light if their private phonecalls orvoicemails had been listened to illegally.
Has anyone sued the News of the World successfully?
Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor and publicist MaxClifford have both brought cases against the News of the World. They have reportedly settled out of Court.
Reported other victims of the scandal are MP Simon Hughes, MP Tessa Jowell, celebritySienna Miller, comedian Steve Coogan, union leader Bob Crow and model ElleMacpherson. Some of these are now suing the News of the World for breach of privacy. Inaddition, it is reported that former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott, former MetropolitanPolice assistant commissioner Brian Paddick, Labour MP Chris Bryant and journalistBrendan Montague are all seeking a judicial review into the police handling of the matter.
Why are the police involved?
The Metropolitan Police has been heavily criticised over its investigation into the matter, and over the fact that it knows the identities of the public figures who have had their phone shacked, but has failed to inform them.. It has now been forced to launch an inquiry. The current approach by the Police is to provide information if a third-party disclosure order is obtained by the individual who suspects possible hacking of their mobile device.
In addition, the CPS has announced that all police files will now be examined by a specialist lawyer.
How many more victims are there of the phone hacking scandal?
Nobody knows for sure. In July 2009, the Guardian newspaper claimed News of the World journalists were involved in hacking the phones of up to 3,000 public figures.
What are the penalties for breaking the law in this way?
Those affected may be able to sue the News of the World for breach of confidentiality and/or privacy. In addition to the civil remedies, there are also criminal sanctions for the perpetrators. The maximum sentence is two years in prison or a fine, or both.
What should I do if I think I have been a victim?
Charles Russell's specialist reputation management team is already advising prominent clients in this saga. The process involves getting disclosure orders to obtain evidence of hacking, with a view to an action for damages for breach of confidentiality and/or privacy against the News of the World.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
