Internet defamation has the potential to inflict severe harm on individuals and small businesses alike. It can fall under the legal category of “Defamation of Character,” which includes both libel (written) and slander (spoken).
One disgruntled employee or customer can create a barrage of negative reviews, threats, and defamatory content that quickly ranks high on search engines. Identifying the person or company responsible can be difficult.
The Benefits of Internet Defamation Law
The Internet can be a powerful tool for businesses to generate reviews and connect with potential customers. However, it can also be used to smear an individual or company’s reputation, devastatingly affecting the victims. It can lead to loss of business and even affect personal relationships. The damage done to a person or company’s reputation can be very difficult for them to recover from and often requires substantial financial compensation.
Online defamation is unique from its traditional forms because it is instantaneous, anonymous, and borderless. Because of the nature of the medium, the harm caused is usually more severe and can impact a person or company in many different ways.
It is important to keep track of all evidence related to a defamation case, including screenshots and URL links to the offending statements. Documenting all losses and damages suffered, including medical bills, financial expenses, and any emotional or psychological damage, is also helpful.
The Challenges of Internet Defamation Law
The Internet is an instantaneous, seamless, interactive, blunt, and far-reaching medium that allows defamatory statements to be easily made. It is also impersonal and anonymous, creating a greater risk that others will take the statements at face value.
Online defamation can impact all aspects of a person’s life, including professional career and social relationships. The stress of dealing with a barrage of false and harmful information can lead to health problems, including headaches, loss of sleep, and even depression.
Plaintiffs must show actual harm, and the law defines damages based on whether the defamation was published in print (libel) or spoken (slander). Typically, public figures must prove “actual malice,” meaning they were published with either knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for the truth to succeed in a defamation lawsuit. The Communications Decency Act protects many Internet service providers and website hosts, making it difficult to bring a defamation claim against them.
The Mullen Law Firm’s Experience in Internet Defamation Law
As technology advances, it becomes increasingly easy for someone to ruin a person’s reputation online. This can be difficult for people to deal with and can have lasting effects on their work and personal life.
The Mullen Law Firm has experience with Internet libel and slander cases. We have successfully defended clients in defamation claims against various entities. Whether it’s a competitor, client, news organization, or a stranger posting something false on the web about you, our New York defamation attorneys can help.
The firm’s founder, Michael Mullen, is a former assistant district attorney who dedicated his practice to defending individuals charged with all types of crimes in the state courts of New York and U.S. federal courts. He is a well-respected trial attorney who has handled numerous high-exposure media cases. In addition, he has extensive knowledge of no-fault insurance laws and regulations. He has also successfully represented victims of physical injury and employment-related issues.
Contact Us Today
Internet defamation is becoming a significant problem for many businesses. One disgruntled person can ruin a business’s reputation with negative reviews and defamatory comments. These can be spread on social media or posted online, damaging a company’s business by hurting sales.
When you file a defamation claim, you must prove that the false statement was published and caused harm to your reputation. You must also identify the defendant. This can be challenging because the Internet allows people to hide their identities and use multiple accounts. Moreover, internet service providers and web hosts are protected by privacy laws and may resist subpoenas to reveal identifying information.
The sooner you retain an Internet Defamation Lawyer to Protect Your Reputation, the more likely you will pursue your case successfully. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help protect your reputation online. We have experience in a wide range of digital legal matters.