What Is Internet Libel?
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Sometimes also called cyber-libel or cyber-slander, Internet
libel typically consists of statements made by one person
about another that are untrue and serve to defame the
character of the target. Libel, in general, refers to a
statement that acts as a defamation of character made in
writing or some other form of permanent media, typically a
book, magazine, newspaper, and now on the Internet. This
is in contrast to slander, which is a defamation of
character that is spoken or transitory in nature, often more
difficult to prove due to a lack of a lasting record.

Internet libel is typically untrue and the statement must be
made as a statement of fact, not opinion, to qualify as
libel. In countries that protect a person’s right to free
speech, such as the US, someone can freely state an
opinion, even one that defames the character of another
person. A statement is typically considered libelous only if
it is made as a statement of fact. Internet libel also usually
has to be untrue, and a defense of truth can generally be
used against a lawsuit or similar legal action against
someone accused of libel.