As the saying goes, “there are two sides to every coin”.
While the widespread use of the Internet and social media in the current digital age has brought about numerous positive benefits, but it has also inevitably brought on some unfortunate drawbacks.
One of these drawbacks is the rise of online defamation, which may have detrimental consequences for people and their reputations. If you find yourself becoming a victim of online defamation, it is imperative to know your rights and take the appropriate actions to protect yourself.
To learn about the steps you can take when you become a victim of online defamation, keep on reading.
What is online defamation?
Contrary to popular belief, online defamation is not exactly the same as non-online defamation.
Online defamation, commonly referred to as Internet defamation, is the act of spreading false information about someone that damages their reputation online. These comments have the ability to reach a large audience swiftly and may be published on a variety of online channels — including social media platforms, forums, review sites, or individual blogs. False allegations, damaging rumours, malicious reviews, and derogatory remarks are typical examples of online defamation.
Steps to take when you’re a victim of online defamation
When you become a victim of online defamation, it is important to act swiftly and take strategic action to mitigate the potential damage. Here are some steps you should take:
Consult with a Singapore defamation lawyer
In order to successfully navigate the complexity of defamation law, seeking professional legal advice is essential. A Singapore defamation lawyer with experience in online defamation lawsuits can assist you with navigating the legal system, clarifying your rights, and assessing the strength of your case. He can also provide you with recommendations for the best course of action. It is important to seek legal help from a Singapore defamation lawyer as such a lawyer has defamation knowledge at his fingertips and does not need to spend a lot of time to do research before being able to advise you.
Issue a letter of demand
The first step in addressing the issue is to have a lawyer craft a letter of demand to the person responsible for the defamatory material. This letter will demand that the offensive material be taken down and might also contain a demand for an apology and financial compensation for any harm incurred. Our defamation lawyers have successfully acted for many clients, both corporate and individual, in many defamation cases over the last 30 years.
A lawyer may also assist you in applying to court for an immediate removal of the defamatory material under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). This can be an effective measure in situations where the defamer refuses to cooperate, or the harm is ongoing.
In fact, we have just successfully acted for a client who was a victim of online defamation and harassment by a stranger. Our experienced online defamation lawyers in Singapore have successfully safeguarded our client’s reputation by applying for the immediate removal of defamatory material under POHA.
Conclusion
It is essential to remember that every case of online defamation is different, and the appropriate legal actions may change based on the jurisdiction and specific facts.
Consulting with a lawyer who specialises in defamation law, like Doris Chia, will ensure that you receive tailored advice based on your situation. No matter if you are looking for representation for defamation, online defamation, internet defamation or harassment or commercial litigation disputes, we provide strategic advice and solutions that can help you achieve your legal goals.
Do not hesitate to contact us today for more information.