Defamation law combats the communication of a statement that makes a claim, expressed or implied to be factual, that may give an individual, business, product, group, Government or nation a, usually false and negative image. The UK is notorious as a claimant-friendly jurisdiction for bringing libel proceedings. In other words, you should be careful what you write (or allow others to write) on your website. The US is regarded as even more litigious!
Defamation law is all about reputation, and the protection of reputation. Slander is concerned with the spoken word, libel with the written word. Note that the law of defamation protects both individuals and companies.
A related cause of action, malicious falsehood, protects individuals and companies against false, malicious statements, which cause them loss.
- Defamation Act 1996 (opens a new window).
- Defamation and the Internet – An article by Lilian Edwards (opens a new window).
- How to Avoid Libel and Defamation – This BBC guide tells you how to avoid libel claims (opens a new window).
- Defamation: Libel and Slander – Liberty’s guide to defamation in the context of the right to free expression (opens a new window).
- Libel and slander – An FAQ from libel lawyers Carter-Ruck (opens a new window).
- Defamation and the Internet – A conference paper from Schillings (opens a new window).
- 10 Things Webmasters Should Know About… Libel – The Website Law guide for webmasters (opens a new window).
Glossary: Astroturfing, Bait & Switch, Blogs, Can-Spam, Comparative Advertising, Copywriting, Link Baiting, Marketing Communications, Multimedia, Pharming, Phishing, SEO Content Writer, Trust, Video Marketing, Website, White Paper