breach of privacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breach of privacy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to an intrusion on someone's right to keep their actions, thoughts, and personal information private. For example, "The company was accused of a breach of privacy after it leaked customers' credit card information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a breach of privacy.

The Guardian

They sued the BBC for breach of privacy - and won.

The Guardian

Phillips is suing News Group for breach of privacy.

The Guardian

It was the breach of privacy that annoyed me.

The Guardian

The source said: "This is a clear and unjustifiable, grotesque breach of privacy.

Independent

She is suing News of the World for breach of privacy and harassment.

Independent

But that would be expensive and prone to hacking and leaking, risking another breach of privacy.

The Economist

There is, of course, little that the imperial household can do about this breach of privacy.

The New York Times

But in a breach of privacy case, it's not entirely consistent with keeping your identity private".

The Guardian

Spurr's lawyers are attempting to argue a breach of confidence and breach of privacy.

The Guardian

The whole thing was overwhelming but I'm now suing for defamation and breach of privacy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing security incidents, specifically data related issues and cyber security, consider using other phrases such as "data breach" or "compromise of personal information".

Common error

Avoid using "breach of privacy" when simply referring to a situation where privacy is absent. A "breach of privacy" implies an active violation, not just a pre-existing condition of openness. For instance, stating that someone experienced a "breach of privacy" because they were in a public space is incorrect, unless specific private information was actively exposed or taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breach of privacy" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting an instance where an individual's right to privacy has been violated. Many examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in legal and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breach of privacy" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe situations where an individual's right to privacy has been violated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys intrusions on personal actions, thoughts, and information. It is most frequently used in news and media, as well as legal contexts. To enhance your writing, remember that a "breach of privacy" involves an active violation and is not simply the absence of privacy. Synonyms such as "privacy violation" or "infringement of privacy" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

privacy violation

Replaces "breach" with "violation", emphasizing the act of infringing upon privacy.

infringement of privacy

Uses "infringement" instead of "breach", highlighting the act of overstepping privacy boundaries.

invasion of privacy

Emphasizes the intrusive nature of the privacy violation.

disclosure of private information

Focuses on the act of revealing confidential data.

unauthorized access to personal data

Highlights the lack of permission in accessing private information.

data breach

Specifically refers to security incidents involving the compromise of data.

compromise of personal information

Focuses on the risk and vulnerability of personal data being exposed.

violation of confidentiality

Emphasizes the breach of trust and secrecy.

unlawful surveillance

Highlights the illegality and monitoring aspect of the privacy violation.

personal data leakage

Focuses on the accidental or intentional spilling of personal information.

FAQs

What does "breach of privacy" mean?

A "breach of privacy" refers to an incident where someone's private or personal information is accessed, used, or disclosed without their consent, violating their right to privacy.

What are some synonyms for "breach of privacy"?

Alternatives to "breach of privacy" include "privacy violation", "infringement of privacy", or "invasion of privacy". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What are the legal consequences of a "breach of privacy"?

The legal consequences of a "breach of privacy" can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the breach. They may include civil lawsuits, criminal charges, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.

How can I prevent a "breach of privacy"?

To prevent a "breach of privacy", take steps to protect your personal information, such as using strong passwords, being cautious about sharing personal details online, and implementing security measures on your devices and accounts.