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Prince Harry and 6 others must pay initial $13 million over failed invasion of privacy case

PBS · · International · Privacy Law

Prince Harry and six co-plaintiffs have been ordered to pay an initial $13 million after losing an invasion of privacy lawsuit. The ruling represents a significant financial penalty against those who brought the failed case.

Why this matters: Losing a privacy lawsuit is one thing. Being ordered to pay $13 million for bringing it is another. Fee-shifting at this scale can make people think twice before suing over privacy violations, even legitimate ones. That cuts both ways. It keeps courts clear of weak cases, but it also gives powerful defendants a useful tool to discourage anyone without deep pockets from trying.

Who should care: General readers · Privacy officers · Policy

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Who should care: General readers · Privacy officers · Policy