Say Something Nice Online… Or Else.

2009 March 8
by Lina Maini

We’re going to continue last week’s topic regarding defamation suit awards for online commentary.  Pursuant to my Bulletin article,  Buffalo 14228 weighed in with this follow up:

Source: The Beacon Bulletin

What I find interesting it that a $7500.00 award was given to someone for allegedly interfering with another’s opportunity to make money. Something was written they didn’t like it, so they sued and won. The ruling apparently means you can only say nice things about people and particularly businesses/businessmen.
Very simple cut and dried case isn’t it?
Not so fast, the Florida Supreme Court has ruled in a case argued before it by the Fox Cable News Channel that “The media in general has no legal obligation to tell the truth.
 
 

 

So what does it all mean? There is no such thing as law. Law has come to mean what is acceptable within a certain space and time until the next retroactive court ruling. It is not about free speech, opinion, observation, etc. It is about money and the making of it without hinderance.

 Posted by Mike Wrona

Given the global reach of the internet, several questions come to mind, i.e. can we now get an updated (apparently) definition of defamation, who has jurisdiction, do the same statutues of limitations apply?  E.g., I have an ongoing business relationship with a vendor. Three years ago I posted something not so flattering but truthful about his business.  My comments were cited in various subsequent complaints against this same vendor.   Can I now be cited for inteference of business?

BNI Operatives: Street smart: Web savvy.

Stay safe.

from → Legal Decisions