Mark Rothman, an Associate in our Dispute Resolution team, recently succeeded in having defamatory statements about a client removed from Facebook.
Mark says, “My client, a training and education provider, became aware of a defamatory statement posted on their Facebook business page. The statement was made by someone who owed our client money and was clearly written with malice and the intent to damage our client’s reputation and business. My client’s main initial concern was having the statement removed to prevent any ongoing harm to their business.
Within 24 hours of my instruction, I was able to get the post removed. The new defamation laws, introduced by the Defamation Act 2013, prevent a website operator from relying on the fact they were not responsible for the post if they are given notice of a complaint and fail to follow the correct procedure. Facebook, upon receipt of my letter before action and notice of claimed defamation, removed the post, thus limiting the potential harm to my client.
We are now assessing the harm caused to our client whilst the post was present, with a view to issuing proceedings against the offending poster.
I am finding a significant increase in the defamation work involving the internet and online defamation. Given the importance of the internet for business success, it is vital to ensure any such defamation is dealt with promptly. If you consider you have been defamed, whether online or elsewhere, please call me on 01702 332311 or email defamation@jefferieslaw.co.uk.”