Am I allowed as the operator of a forum to delete comments that I don't like?
August 11, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Otto Ullmann
Dear lawyer,
I have been running an online forum for some time now, where various topics are discussed. Lately, I have been receiving comments that I personally do not like or that I consider legally questionable. Therefore, I am wondering if as the operator of the forum, I have the right to delete these comments.
Currently, I have not deleted the comments, but I am concerned that they could harm my reputation or even have legal consequences. I am unsure of the best course of action and whether I have the right to remove unwanted comments.
Could you please explain to me if as the operator of a forum, I have the right to delete comments that I do not like? Are there any legal requirements that I need to consider? And what possible consequences could I face if I leave the comments as they are?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Büchner
Dear Mr. Büchner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the deletion of unwanted comments in your online forum. As the operator of such a forum, you have the right to delete comments that are legally questionable or could harm your reputation. However, certain legal requirements must be observed to prevent potential consequences.
First and foremost, it is important to mention that as the operator of an online forum, you are responsible for the content that is published there. This means that you also have the duty to remove unlawful or offensive comments as soon as you become aware of them. Otherwise, you could be held liable as the operator and may have to face legal consequences.
There are various reasons why you may delete comments. These include:
1. Unlawful content: Comments that violate laws, such as insults, defamation, racist remarks, or copyright infringements, may be deleted without hesitation.
2. Protection of your own reputation: If comments could damage your reputation, you have the right to remove them. This is especially true if the comments are untrue or defamatory.
3. Compliance with forum rules: If your forum has specific rules or terms of use, you can delete comments that violate them.
However, it is important that you act transparently and document the reasons for deleting comments in a comprehensible manner. This also serves to prevent potential legal disputes.
If you are unsure whether a comment should be deleted or not, I recommend seeking legal advice. An attorney specializing in internet and computer law can help clarify the legal situation and assist you in the proper course of action.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Otto Ullmann
Attorney specializing in Internet and Computer Law
