How can I defend myself against cyberbullying and hate comments on the internet?
January 27, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Chloé Tressel
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you as I urgently need help to defend myself against cyberbullying and hate comments on the internet. For some time now, I have been harassed and insulted online by anonymous individuals. The comments are very hurtful and have already had negative effects on my well-being and mental health.
I have tried to delete the comments and block the perpetrators, but unfortunately they keep reappearing under different accounts. I feel powerless and do not know how to effectively protect myself. I am also concerned about my personal safety, as the perpetrators are becoming more aggressive and I do not know how far they will go.
Please help me by showing me ways in which I can legally defend myself against cyberbullying and hate comments on the internet. Are there legal steps I can take to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable? What measures can I take to better protect myself and stop the harassment?
Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to your professional advice.
Sincerely,
Petra Engel
Dear Mrs. Engel,
I thank you for your trust and for reaching out to me. Cyberbullying and hate comments on the internet are unfortunately widespread and can have serious effects on the well-being and mental health of those affected. It is important that you actively defend yourself against this and take legal action to protect yourself and hold the perpetrators accountable.
First and foremost, it is important to know that cyberbullying and hate comments can be prosecuted under criminal law. Insults, threats, and harassment on the internet are punishable offenses under the Criminal Code (StGB). Therefore, you can report these to the police or public prosecutor's office. They can then conduct investigations to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.
Furthermore, there are also civil law options to defend yourself against cyberbullying and hate comments. You can demand a cease and desist declaration from the perpetrators, in which they commit to not making any further insulting or threatening statements. In case of non-compliance, you can then take legal action, such as obtaining an injunction or filing a claim for damages.
To better protect yourself, I recommend collecting evidence of the harassment, such as screenshots of comments or messages. You should also document all communication with the perpetrators. Additionally, you can adjust your privacy settings on social media to better protect your data and block unwanted contacts.
It is important that you do not feel alone and seek professional help. You can contact counseling centers for victims of cyberbullying or seek psychological support to cope with the harassment and protect your mental health.
I hope that my advice will help you and wish you success in combating cyberbullying and hate comments on the internet.
Sincerely,
Chloé Tressel
Media Law Attorney
