6 Things You Need To Know About Defamation

know about defamation

In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever to understand the ins and outs of defamation law. Defamation can be a serious issue and can harm your business or personal life. In this blog post, we will discuss six things you need to know about defamation law. By understanding the basics of defamation law, you can protect yourself from accusations of libel or slander.

1. Large companies cannot bring an action for defamation

In the United States, only individuals can bring an action for defamation. This means that large companies cannot sue for libel or slander. However, a company may be able to sue for defamation if the statements made were about the company’s products or services. Additionally, public figures such as celebrities or politicians have a higher burden of proof in defamation cases.

To win a defamation case, a public figure must prove that the person making the statement knew that it was false and made the statement anyway. As pros at Revision Legal note, defamation cases are notoriously difficult to win. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney before taking any legal action.

2. You do not need to name the person in the statement 

For a statement to be considered defamatory, it does not need to name the person who is being accused of the defamation. The statement can be about a group of people or an organization. For example, if you make a false statement about a company’s products, that would be considered defamation.

Additionally, even true statements can be considered defamatory if they are made to harm someone’s reputation. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney before making any statements that could potentially be defamatory. An attorney can help you determine whether or not your statement is likely to be considered defamatory.

3. A comment on an online article can often be defamatory

In the United States, defamation law applies to both written and spoken statements. This means that comments made on online articles or social media posts can be considered defamatory. If you make a false statement about someone in a comment on an online article, that person could potentially sue you for libel.

Additionally, even true statements can be considered defamatory if they are made to harm someone’s reputation. While it is unlikely that someone would sue you for making a defamatory statement in a comment on an online article, it is still important to be careful about what you say. 

4. Sharing a defamatory article can get you into trouble

Just because you did not write the defamatory statement yourself does not mean that you are immune from liability. If you share an article that contains a defamatory statement, you could potentially be sued for libel. This is especially true if you share the article to harm the person’s reputation.

It is important to be careful about what you share online and to make sure that you do not share anything that could potentially be defamatory. Also, keep in mind that even if you remove the defamatory statement from the article before you share it, you could still be held liable for defamation.

5. You can be sued for defamation even if your statements are true

Many people believe that they cannot be sued for defamation if their statements are true. However, this is not always the case. If you make a true statement to harm someone’s reputation, you could potentially be sued for defamation.

Additionally, true statements can be considered defamatory if they are made in a way that is likely to harm someone’s reputation. For example, if you make a true statement about someone in an online comment, that person could potentially sue you for libel. This is because the statement was made in a public forum and is likely to harm the person’s reputation. 

6. Search engines, Facebook, and Twitter can be liable for defamation

While it is generally the person who makes the defamatory statement who can be sued for defamation, there are some exceptions. For example, if a defamatory statement is made on a search engine, Facebook, or Twitter, the company that owns the platform could potentially be liable for defamation.

This is because these companies are considered to be “publishers” of the statements made on their platforms. Additionally, if you share a defamatory article on social media, you could also be held liable for defamation, as we already mentioned.

Defamation law can be complex, and it is important to consult with an experienced attorney if you have any questions. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in court if necessary. So, if anything in this blog post has you worried, be sure to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Good luck!

Nicole Middleton
Nicole calls herself a typical millennial girl and thrives on her share of social media, celebrity gossip, and all things viral content. She’s a big fan of pop music and plays the guitar as a hobby.