Pictured above: John French
A team of legal experts has warned users of sites such as
Twitter and Facebook to be careful what they write - or potentially
end up in court.
Recent headlines have been filled with stories of internet users
posting untrue information about those in the public eye via
various social media outlets.
Now, Coventry law firm Band Hatton has warned that what people
write online could land them in court and facing hefty bills for
damages running into tens of thousands of pounds.
John French, solicitor at Station Square-based Band Hatton,
explained that while defamation laws were initially built around
traditional forms of print and broadcast media they also apply to
the internet.
"Defamation is a very contentious area of law which exists to
protect the good reputations of individuals, companies and goods or
services from untrue and derogatory verbal and written statements,"
he said.
"Historically defamation actions have been brought following
comments made in newspapers, magazines, books and journals.
"However, over the last 10 years more and more people are using
networking sites to share their views about people, corporate
entities and goods and services.
"Many are under the impression they can make virtually any
comment they like on these sites without legal repercussions.
"Sadly for them the law of defamation applies equally to untrue
and derogatory comments posted on the internet as it does in the
more traditional forms of media and anyone who makes untrue or
derogatory remarks runs the risk of being sued for damages which
could run into tens of thousands of pounds."
French also warned defamation laws do not just apply to the rich
and famous and that simply saying sorry after passing comment might
not be enough to prevent a claim for damages to reputation.
"The penalties for defaming less well known individuals and
companies can still lead to substantial damages being awarded, and
that has happened in several notable cases," he said.
"An immediate apology following a defamatory comment will
normally act as a defence but this should not be used as a door to
hide behind.
"The best way to avoid being sued for defamation is to make
absolutely sure any comments posted on the internet are fair and
reasonable under the circumstances and fully justified."