
The media storm surrounding Ms Bulley’s disappearance prompted ‘baseless speculation’ and attracted amateur sleuths, while Lancashire Constabulary drew widespread criticism for their decision to disclose personal information about the missing person.
What protection is provided by the law? Clarke-Williams and Taraniuk examine the potential for a claim for misuse of private information (MPI), as well as considering privacy and defamation. Ofcom has also raised questions about the conduct of broadcasters. When is private information in the public interest?