One of the most common complaints about an online publication is that it makes a false statement about someone. The most obvious cause of action through which to seek redress is libel – although there may also be claims for a breach of the DPA and/or false privacy – but such a claim needs to be approached with care. Continue reading
The International Forum for Responsible Media Blog
Month: November 2017 (Page 3 of 4)
In the past week, Silicon Valley has faced renewed calls for greater regulation of social media platforms amid the growing scandal of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. Given rising awareness of the serious problems inherent within U.S. internet giants’ business models, it’s an opportune time to discuss how best to regulate these companies. Continue reading
Material is often published online to promote causes, further campaigns, air grievances and raise concerns about the conduct of others. When this is done responsibly it performs an invaluable public function. The availability of free-to-use platforms to express views and to engage in public debate is among the most important benefits of the internet in general and social media in particular. Continue reading
In the case of Brown v Bower [2017] EWHC 2637, the High Court considered the proper application of the repetition rule in determining the meaning of a statement about an MP in a book about the Blair government. Nicklin J made interesting observations about whether the statement was defamatory and the effect of the parties’ agreement that it was. Continue reading
For many years there was a perception that the private international law rules applied by English courts allowed for so-called “libel tourism”, meaning the practice of opportunistic litigants (often with very limited connections to England and Wales) using English courts to bring defamation claims with much stronger connections to other jurisdictions. In enacting section 9 of the Defamation Act 2013 Parliament sought to address this concern by making it much harder for English courts to hear those kinds of claims. Continue reading
The biggest story of the week is the continuing exposure of alleged sexual harassment and related wrongdoing by politicians and film producers. A curious “spreadsheet” relating to Conservative MPs has appeared on Twitter. Continue reading
In the case of Butt v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] EWHC 2619 (QB) Nicol J held that a Government Press Release which meant that the claimant, Dr Salman Butt, was an extremist hate speaker constituted a statement of opinion, not of fact. Continue reading
As we approach the 25th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder, it’s time to critically assess whether the Daily Mail really played the pivotal and progressive role it likes to claim in the case, and its impact on Britain’s race relations. Continue reading
When world views collide … As the fallout continues from the jury verdict in Chris Gayle’s defamation trial against Fairfax, media lawyer Graham Hryce suggests why it’s not so surprising that the media company went down. Continue reading
“#MeToo”: Five letters that have been tweeted millions of times in the past month, and demonstrate the enormous power of social media and how it can bring about change for the good. Continue reading
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