Hypothetically, if someone wrote and posted an untrue message on a public message board and it had the capability of damaging your business, what could you do to get it removed or rectified?
2007-02-27 23:52:09 · 4 answers · asked by isleofskye 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Postings to internet forums (as well as websites) are covered under libel laws - if they're saying something untrue and damaging, you can take them to court to force them to remove it, and pay you for damage to your business caused by their lies.
That's the short answer. The problem with the internet though, is that messages posted often cross international jurisdiction - eg somebody from New Zealand could libel a US business on a messageboard based in France. Because of this, transnational libel cases can be very long and tricky - and expensive. As well, the standard for libel is different in every country (as well as who holds the burden of proof), so you'll need to consult with a lawyer as to the applicable jurisdiction before even contemplating a lawsuit.
You'll have to think long and hard then over how much damage is being caused, and whether a lawsuit is worthwhile for you.
Of course, your first step should be to talk to the person, asking them to remove it/apologise for it, and your next step should be to talk to the message board moderators. Legal action should only be considered as the final option.
2007-02-28 00:25:18 · answer #1 · answered by Guy Norman Cognito 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Report it to the moderator and hope that they will respond quickly and remove it.
Alternatively post your own message challenging this.
2007-02-28 00:00:44 · answer #2 · answered by Mark J 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hypotheticaly?
i'm pretty sure that it would still be considered slander/liable and that the person (or company) would and should be charged for this!!
also the owner of the message board would have to remove it (I'm sure they would if you pointed out that they were letting this sort of thing through!)
personally though if i knew the person responsible i would just report i to the relevant authority (or pan their face!!)
PP: the 2nd bits a joke don't go out and do it!!! (Well that's me coverd my ***! lol
2007-02-28 00:02:01 · answer #3 · answered by slinkyshadow 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Write to your Congressman??????????????
ROFLMAO!
2007-02-28 00:03:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋