What legal steps can I take to address defamation on the internet?
April 24, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Nina Koch
Dear Lawyers,
I am reaching out to you as I urgently need legal advice. My name is Valentina Lang and I am a victim of online defamation. In the past few weeks, defamatory statements about me have been spread on various online platforms and social media, severely damaging my reputation. These are false accusations and slander that have greatly impacted both my personal and professional life.
The situation is very distressing for me, as I have already experienced consequences in my professional environment due to these defamation, and my social circle is also suffering. I feel powerless against the slander and I now want to know what legal steps I can take to address the online defamation.
What options do I have to combat the spread of false allegations about me on the internet? Are there laws or regulations that can counteract the damage to my reputation? How can I hold the responsible parties accountable and seek compensation for damages? What measures can I take to restore my reputation and protect my good name?
I request your competent advice and support in this matter. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Valentina Lang
Dear Mrs. Lang,
I am sorry to hear that you have become a victim of defamation on the internet. Defamation can have serious consequences on both personal and professional life, and it is understandable that you feel powerless in this situation. I will now outline some legal options for you to address the defamation on the internet.
First of all, it is important to know that in Germany, the general right to personal honor is protected. This means that you have a right to protect your honor and good reputation. Defamation and slander, spreading false factual claims about you, are punishable under §§ 185, 186 of the German Criminal Code. You can file a criminal complaint with the police and report those responsible.
Furthermore, you can take civil legal action against the defamation. You can demand a cease and desist declaration from those responsible to ensure that they do not spread any further false claims about you. If this is not sufficient, you can also sue for damages to compensate for the financial harm you have suffered due to the defamation.
To restore your reputation, you can also rely on the right to a counterstatement. This means that you have the right to demand a correction of the false claims, which must be spread in the same manner as the original defamation.
It is important that you collect all evidence and documentation that prove the defamation to support your legal claims. It is also recommended to seek professional help from a lawyer to support you in this process.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and support you in your fight against internet defamation. Do not hesitate to ask further questions or contact me if needed.
Best regards,
Nina Koch.
