MANILA, Philippines – Anyone who merely uploads screenshots of private conversations online cannot be held liable according to the Supreme Court. 

In light of the controversial screenshots of conversations between Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings leaked by the actor’s former girlfriend Jam Villanueva, lawyer Enrique Dela Cruz Jr. of the Divina Law sheds light on the legalities of the issue. 

Citing a case recently decided on by the Supreme Court, Dela Cruz said the High Court ruled that “there is no violation of the Data Privacy Act (Republic Act No. 10173) or the Anti-Wiretapping Law (Republic Act No. 4200).” 

This is because “these are just screenshots of conversations and the Data Privacy Act allows the processing of sensitive personal information if it’s related to determining criminal liability.” 

Likewise, “there is also no violation of the Anti-Wiretapping Law because citing an earlier case, that pertains to using any gadget or device to hear or tap any conversations.”