Question from a reader:
Recently, I’ve been questioning the unauthorized public disclosure of private LINE conversations. For example, why do we see leaks of private messages involving Meisaku Nagano, Kei Tanaka, Mari Shinohata’s infidelity messages, and even love letters from Ryoko Hirosue? I think it’s truly unfortunate that such private content becomes public without their consent. While I can understand if
they were sharing something publicly on social media, isn’t it problematic to disclose private conversations between just two people without permission? I wonder if this doesn’t constitute an invasion of privacy. Just because someone is a celebrity doesn’t mean everything should be permissible. If a famous person forgets their smartphone and the person who finds it looks through its contents and saves or shares the data, is that acceptable? Isn’t the person who leaked the information liable for their actions?
Reflections on Privacy and Leak Issues
Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of news about celebrities’ LINE and private messages being released without consent. I was truly shocked when private exchanges involving Meisaku Nagano and Kei Tanaka were leaked. I often wonder how this could happen and why it’s allowed.
What Constitutes an Invasion of Privacy?
From the perspective of privacy invasion, I feel that publicly disclosing someone else’s private content without permission is morally questionable. Some argue that because they are celebrities, the lines between public and private life are blurred, but they still deserve a private space. How would we feel if our messages with friends or family were shared without our consent? Most people would likely find it uncomfortable.
What About from a Legal Perspective?
Legally, one might be able to sue for invasion of privacy, but in reality, the person who leaks the information is rarely prosecuted. Some might argue that since it’s “free to use,” it’s acceptable, but LINE operates under specific terms of use. Publicly disclosing someone else’s messages without permission is clearly against the law. A friend of mine once found a smartphone. When he looked inside, he inadvertently learned about the owner’s private life. He regretted seeing it, saying, “I wish I hadn’t looked.” Is such behavior excusable? It feels strange that the person who found the phone isn’t held accountable. I believe we need stricter laws to protect privacy.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, invasion of privacy should not be tolerated, and I hope that unauthorized disclosures do not become the norm. Just because someone is a celebrity, it doesn’t mean anything goes. While it’s true that some individuals may have benefited from leaks, that doesn’t justify the means. What do you think? If you have experiences of having your privacy disclosed without consent or opinions on such cases, please share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s think together about how we can protect our privacy.
