Libel On Line
Apr 11, 2007
Author: Clive Hitchen

In late March, Sir Martin Sorrell accepted £120,000 as settlement without admission of liability in a high court libel and privacy action. He had sued FullSix Spa, Marco Benatti and Marco Tinelli for libel following the posting online of an anonymous blog. WPP Italy executive Daniela Weber in the case also accepted £30,000 in settlement of her action for invasion of privacy arising from the same alleged internet campaign. The case illustrates the importance of employees and others being aware that comments posted online can result in actions for defamation.

Clive Hitchen says: “Although in this case the matter settled in the middle of the trial and it appeared hard to prove a connection between those alleged to have posted the material online and the posting, in other cases it can be tracked to an IP address or other identifier. Some employers now check potential employees’ myspace or facebook entries, or search for their blogs online, and many employees fail to realise they may be presenting themselves in an unfavourable light online. Yet others, once hired, libel their employer on their personal weblog which, although theoretically anonymous, is often easily identifiable. We can advise you on this and other related issues. It can be wise to advise employees in a firm’s internet and email policy or staff handbook about what is and is not permissible in terms of postings online as well as time spent at work on the internet. Having clear policies helps employers if later problems arise.

For further information call Clive on 01494 521301