What is internet Libel ?

[imran bakht]

What Is Internet Libel?





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.