Big Brother is always watching

When George Orwell wrote 1984, I doubt he could have envisaged a world where every step one takes is not so much monitored by the state, but updated, tweeted, Facebooked or Snap Chatted around the world for all to see. With Facebook membership hitting 500 Million, and 50 % of users logging in to their profiles every day, the day-to- day life of those members are time in immemorial. We even have Timehop to remind us, or our former spouses, of those little indiscretions years down the line. For most Facebook is used for what it was intended, a way of communicating with our friends, catching up with people we have lost touch with and social interaction through shared interests. For others it feeds their alter-egos, indiscretions, or is used as a sounding board for venting feelings on ex-partners, parenting skills, or general failures of those at whom their latest disapproval is aimed. But what most do not appreciate is that this can be used, and more than often will be used, against them should they end up in Court with their former partner. Over the last decade I have been involved in numerous cases where Facebook messages, WhatsApp, and other social media have been used by individuals to substantiate their position in cases where the other parties conduct or intention has been called into question. All too often, the other party is completely unaware that their ex is using family, friends, or even friends of friends to watch over their former partner. I have been handed pictures that only a doctor should see of images of their ex. I have known clients who snoop on the ex's email account to uncover their day-to-day activities, assets, spending habits and other financial information. I have seen numerous relationships ended after decades of marriage, often the reconnection of individuals with their first loves, leaving the one left behind bewildered heartbroken and confused, with the other elated and reinvigorated. Although most of the time what you find on the internet does not impact ultimately on the outcome of a case, it can call into question creditability, morality and common sense. I warn all my clients they should think before posting anything online. Instead, call a friend, shout at the cat but do not write it on your wall! If you have an email account, bank account or social media account change your passwords and check your privacy settings. We all have skeletons, just do not leave the closet door wide open. For further information please contact Alison Gaddes at [email protected] or call 0114 266 6660.