How can I defend myself against defamation and slander on the internet?
January 13, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Tressel
Dear Media Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you because I have found myself in an unpleasant situation and do not know how to defend myself against it. My name is Tobias Werner and I have become a victim of defamation and slander on the internet. False claims about me have been spread, seriously endangering my reputation and professional future. I am desperate and do not know how to address this.
The situation started about a month ago when defamatory comments and posts about me suddenly appeared on social media and various websites. These contained false information about my personal life and professional activities, portraying me in a very negative light. I have tried to identify the authors of these posts, but unfortunately without success. I feel helpless and do not know how to restore my reputation.
My concern is that these accusations could affect my career and personal relationships. I do not want to stand idly by as my good name is destroyed by these slanders. Therefore, I am urgently seeking legal options to defend myself against these attacks on the internet.
Can you please help me and show me ways in which I can protect myself against defamation and slander on the internet? Are there legal steps I can take to stop the spread of this false information and protect my reputation? I am grateful for any advice and support.
Sincerely,
Tobias Werner
Dear Mr. Werner,
First and foremost, I would like to express my sympathy for the uncomfortable situation you are in. Defamation and slander on the internet are serious offenses that can not only damage your reputation but also jeopardize your professional future and personal relationships. It is understandable that you feel helpless and are seeking legal options to defend yourself against this.
Firstly, it is important to know that in Germany, the right to freedom of speech applies, but this freedom must also respect certain boundaries. Defamation and slander are punishable acts regulated in the Criminal Code (StGB). If someone spreads false facts about you that harm your reputation, this can be considered as defamation. If these false information is intentionally spread to damage your reputation, it is considered as slander.
In your case, I recommend documenting all posts and comments containing defamation and slander. Take screenshots and save all relevant information to have evidence of the dissemination of these false information. Afterwards, try to identify the authors of these posts. This may be challenging, but it is crucial in order to take legal action.
As a lawyer specializing in media law, I advise you to contact a lawyer specializing in internet law who has experience in cases of defamation and slander. Together, you can initiate legal actions to combat the dissemination of false information. This may include cease and desist declarations, urging the authors to stop the false claims and possibly claiming damages.
Furthermore, you can also file a criminal complaint for defamation and slander with the police. They will then investigate the authors of the defamatory posts and initiate legal consequences.
It is important that you take action and defend yourself against these attacks on the internet. Your reputation and professional future are at stake, and it is crucial that you defend yourself legally. Do not hesitate to seek help from a lawyer who can support you in this difficult situation and provide legal assistance.
I hope that my advice is helpful to you and wish you success in restoring your good reputation.
Best regards,
Isabel Tressel
Lawyer specializing in media law
