Legal Updates

Reoccurring posts on social media and disclosing of personal details may be deemed a threatening harassment

July 12, 2022
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An activist published on social media publication of personal details of Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, Head of Isralei Public Health Services in which she condemned her and her public work.

The Court held that the case justified issuing a restraining order. The law is intended to prevent harassment of a person, with the emphasis placed on harassment of a threatening nature, one that impairs the peace of life, privacy or freedom of the person, or raises a apprehension of harming them. The harassment may be by way of invasion of privacy and damaging reputation, including harassment in social media posts. In order to justify the issuance of a restraining order, two cumulative conditions are to be met: Past harassment or threats and the circumstances give a reasonable basis for the same person to harass or threaten again. Here, the publications were of a disturbing and threatening nature aimed at undermining the function and normal life routine of Dr. Alroy-Preis, including the privacy of her family members who are not public figures, in a manner which scope, frequency, content and intensity arise to a threatening harassment. Thus, there is justification to issue a restraining order prohibiting publication in any social media about the family members, threatening or contacting. Additionally, the activist is to remove from her Facebook page, her Twitter account and any other social media of the publications made in the six months that preceded the order and have identifying details of the family.