What Are Digital Privacy Clauses In Prenups & Can I Use Them?

In an age where social media pervades every facet of our lives, publicly displaying intimate personal details, should there be a discussion among couples about setting boundaries on what is shared online?

This question becomes increasingly relevant as the line between public and private life blurs in the new 24/7 digital world.

Prenuptial agreements are evolving.

One notable addition to them in recent times is the digital privacy clause. We explore why these clauses have become increasingly popular and their significance in modern digital relationships.

In today’s interconnected world, our digital footprints are extensive. From social media posts to shared online accounts, couples often have a significant online presence.

This digital intermingling can become a point of contention if the relationship ends, and the connections need untangling.

How To Protect Online Privacy?

Digital privacy clauses in prenuptial agreements address concerns like unauthorised or unwanted sharing of personal or sensitive information online.

Digital privacy clauses can stipulate what can and cannot be shared on social media, especially during or after a separation or divorce.

Why Have Digital Privacy Clauses Gained Popularity?

1. Social Media Influence: With the ubiquity of social media, there’s a growing awareness of the impact that online posts and videos can have on an individual’s reputation and privacy. The temptation to conduct the breakdown of a relationship online can be all too appealing. The phenomenon of spouses gathering support in social media posts is all too common and an agreement at the outset to refrain from this behaviour may help to keep calm heads in the event of the relationship breaking down.
2. Preventing Revenge Postings: These clauses can be instrumental in preventing the sharing of intimate or private information as a form of revenge or defamation. How many cases of revenge porn have been seen in the last few years, which are created to cause distress and embarrassment?
3. Professional Repercussions: In many careers, online reputation is crucial. A digital privacy clause can help protect one’s professional image. This is especially important in regulated professions such as with legal and medical professionals.
4. Control Over Personal Narrative: Such clauses offer a way for individuals to maintain control over their personal image and how they’re portrayed online. One can imagine that this would be particularly key for people in the spotlight such as actors or social media influencers who have to maintain a certain image for professional reasons.

What Are The Legal Considerations?

While these clauses can provide a sense of security, their enforceability is dubious, especially in England and Wales where pre-nuptial agreements are considered but are not legally binding in legislation.

It’s crucial to have these clauses drafted by prenuptial agreement solicitors to ensure they’re fair, reasonable, and legally binding.

Digital privacy clauses reflect the changing landscape of relationships in the digital age.

They serve as a tool for managing the relationship in the online world and protecting individual privacy.

As our digital lives become ever more intertwined with our personal lives, these clauses may become a standard part of prenuptial agreements in the future.