Types of Online Defamation

Also known as cyber defamation, online defamation includes false and harmful content (either textual, picture, voice message, or even video) that published, shared, and disseminated through different social media platforms, blogging websites, online forums, etc. In this technologically advanced world, the digital landscape provides multiple avenues for the spread of defamatory content on the internet.

Types of Online Defamation

Depending upon the mode of publishing false and derogatory content, online defamation can be classified as −

• Social Media Defamation − Social media defamation refers to the publication of false or derogatory statements about an individual, business, or entity through social media platform; such as, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, or others. Defamatory statements on social media platform could be of any forms, such as written post, comments, pictures, voice message, videos or combination of two or more.

• Forum Defamation − Forum defamation refers publication of defamatory content about an individual, business, or entity through online forum. For example, publication of defamatory content on online discussion board, community forums, or other such related platforms.

• Review Site Defamation − Review site defamation refers to the publication of defamatory content about an individual, business, or entity through the review platforms. There are various review sites that facilitate people or users to share their opinions, experience, and comments on their platforms.

• Blog Defamation − Blog defamation refers to the publication of defamatory content about an individual, business, or entity through blog posts or articles published on personal websites or through some intermediary platforms.

• Email Defamation − Email defamation refers to the publication of defamatory content about an individual, business, or entity through an email communication. In other words, it involves transmission of defamatory content via email, potentially reaching specific recipients.

• Podcast or Video Defamation − Podcast or video defamation refers to the publication of defamatory content about an individual, business, or entity through podcasts or video content on the internet.

• Online Gaming Defamation − Online gaming defamation refers to the publication of defamatory content about an individual (player) or entity within the context of online gaming environment. This type of online defamation usually occurs within the virtual gaming communities, where players interact, communicate, and engage in various online games.

• Cyberbullying − Cyberbullying is a form of online harassment or intimidation that occurs through digital communication channels, typically on the internet. It typically uses online technique like social media platforms, messaging apps, email, or other such online means. Through this technology, the perpetrator targets individuals with harmful, threatening, or demeaning content.

Conclusion

Studying all these types of online defamation aware us that in the present world, everyone’s credibility and reputation is highly vulnerable and at risk only because of easily accessibility of our personal data and information online. Therefore, it is mandatory to take pre-caution by every means and if it is mandatory, only then share personal data or information online.

FAQs

1. What are the common types of online defamation?

Some of the common types of online defamation are −

• false statements on social media,

• negative online reviews,

• spreading rumors,

• sharing manipulated content, and

• making defamatory remarks in online forums.

2. Can online defamation occur through private messaging or emails?

Definitely yes, online defamation can occur through private messaging or emails if false and harmful statements are communicated to others. Even though the communication is not public, but legal consequences may still apply.

3. Is sharing manipulated images or videos online considered a form of defamation?

Of course yes. Sharing manipulated images or videos online can be considered a type of defamation. However, it depends upon the type and severity of the content; for example, it is just a caricature or video meme of celebrity (published in a limit and with no bad intent), it would not be considered as defamation, but if any such video or image published with the intent to harm or damage someone’s reputation, then it is subject to defamation and most likely criminal law-suit can also be filed.

4. What steps can be taken to address and prevent online defamation?

Addressing and preventing online defamation is a complicated process; however, by following the privacy policy, designing an algorithm in such a way that cannot allow to publish derogatory remark or even offensive video, educating users on responsible online behavior, promoting digital literacy, and giving swift and harsh punishment to perpetrator may prevent online defamation.