Internet Defamation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Internet Defamation - Essay Example Another different between internet defamation and print or broadcast media is that of the identity of the publisher. With ease of access to the internet, everyone can use it for personal favors without revealing the identity. For example, a person can post some wrong comment about someone on social networking websites by creating a fake account. In such cases, identification of the sender of the email is very difficult because of fake accounts. Criminal-minded people make use of this internet facility to destroy the repute of other people. On the other hand, in case of print or broadcast media, identifying the source of a publication is not a difficult task because publishing authorities inquire about the source before publishing something. Therefore, it is not easy for a person to spread wrong and insulting news about some other person using print or broadcast media.If we talk about defamation in sense of publication, we can say that comments over the internet that are sent directly to a person do not fall in the category of publication because such comments are not for public. Internet defamation falls in the category of publication if some comment is posted somewhere so that everyone can read it. â€Å"Sending an email containing defamatory statements from person A to person B will in some legal systems not be regarded as "publication" for the purposes of libel law† .As social networking tools are becoming more and more popular with every passing day, the number of cases of internet defamation is also increasing.... On the other hand, in case of print or broadcast media, identifying the source of a publication is not a difficult task because publishing authorities inquire about the source before publishing something. Therefore, it is not easy for a person to spread wrong and insulting news about some other person using print or broadcast media. If we talk about defamation in sense of publication, we can say that comments over the internet that are sent directly to a person do not fall in the category of publication because such comments are not for public. Internet defamation falls in the category of publication if some comment is posted somewhere so that everyone can read it. â€Å"Sending an email containing defamatory statements from person A to person B will in some legal systems not be regarded as "publication" for the purposes of libel law†2. 3. Laws Regarding Defamation As social networking tools are becoming more and more popular with every passing day, the number of cases of inte rnet defamation is also increasing. To handle the increase in internet defamation, many countries have taken considerable steps through implementing libel laws and designing statues of limitations. A plaintiff is required to file the complaint within a specific time, as it is a statue of limitations. â€Å"Regardless of the merit of the defamation claim, a plaintiff must file the lawsuit within a time period specified by law†3. If we search for the implemented law for internet defamation in the United States of America, we come to know that the most relevant law against online defamation is the Defamation Section 230 of The Communications Decency Act Of 1996. Along with governments and judiciary, a number of insurance companies also offer media