Lawyers routinely use online slander laws to remove defamatory content from the web. As access to the internet is increasing, the abuse of it is also getting more and more. One of the most common forms of abuse is cyber defamation.
This article discusses everything you need to know about cyber defamation and the protection granted under slander laws.
Contents
What are online slander laws?
Defamation is of two kinds: slander and libel.
- Slander: Spreading defamation through verbal statements amounts to slander. For example, if a person makes false statements about you in a speech, it will be slander. This can also be in the form of a video or podcast.
- Libel: Spreading defamation through written statements amounts to libel. For example, if a person publishes a defamatory article against you, it will be termed libel.
Online slander laws criminalise writing and publishing defamatory statements against an individual. The following factors will be looked at to determine slander:
- There is a publication that can be accessed by someone other than the person being defamed.
- The publication consists of a false statement.
- It is intended to be conveyed as the truth to harm the reputation of the individual.
Can I get content removed under online slander laws?
Yes, you can remove defamatory content under online slander laws. Ideally, you should hire a lawyer to take care of this. You can take the following steps to remove defamation:
- Identify the defamer: It is quite easy to anonymously create and publish content online. Due to this reason, you first need to identify the defamer. For this, you can use the services of a lawyer or a reputation management company.
- Send legal notice: It is crucial that you send legal notice to the defamer highlighting online slander laws. This should communicate that defamation is illegal, and you intend to take legal actions unless the content is taken down.
- File a criminal suit: Online slander laws criminalise defamation. Therefore, you can file a suit against the defamer for criminal sentencing.
- File a civil suit: Slander laws impose heavy civil penalties for written defamation. As per this, you can receive monetary compensation for the harm suffered.
Is there a recourse outside of online slander laws?
While online slander laws are quite useful, it is possible that you do not get the desired remedy under them. In such cases, you can file a suit or require the removal of information by using a different legal strategy.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): You can request the erasure of information by arguing that the information is no longer relevant, was collected without your consent or harmed you in any way. For this, you do not need to file a lawsuit. All you need to do is submit a request before search engines or websites.
- Online harassment laws: You can sue for civil and criminal liability under online harassment law. Here, harassment means any act online to harm or cause mental agony for an individual. Such laws are commonly used for removing defamatory content from the web.
Conclusion
Online slander laws criminalise written forms of defamation on the internet. As a victim of slander, you have the right to file a criminal or civil suit before the court.
Online defamation can permanently damage your reputation and have a severe impact on your brand. Due to this, it is crucial that you take steps to remove defamatory content with the help of slander laws.
FAQ
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What are online slander laws?
Slander laws criminalise defaming individuals on the web. The victim has a right to file a lawsuit for seeking damages.
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Is online defamation illegal?
Yes, online defamation is illegal as per slander laws.
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What are the three requirements of slander laws?
The three requirements are: the publication of false statements which are conveyed as the truth with an intention to defame.
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Who is an online slander lawyer?
A slander lawyer is an expert in slander laws. They file lawsuits for taking down defamatory content as well as obtaining civil and criminal relief.
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Do I need to hire an online slander lawyer?
Hire a lawyer if you are suffering from online defamation. Slander laws are complicated. Therefore, it will be difficult to deal with defamation independently.
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Can you sue for slander on the internet?
Yes, you can use online slander laws to file a lawsuit for slander on the internet.
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Can you sue for slander on social media?
Yes, you slander on social media is a crime. You can file a lawsuit for damages as well as for removing the online content.
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Do libel laws apply on the internet?
Yes, libel laws apply to all forms of publication on the internet, including websites, blogs, social media, etc.
