Social Media & Internet Law Attorneys

Social Media

Not a day goes by without many of us checking in to our favorite social networking sites, looking at the latest viral video on Twitter – and Facebook alone receives more than four billion visits per day. And while free speech and expression are indeed protected by the First Amendment, there are limits – online content that infringes on another person’s rights may result in civil claims and even criminal charges. The right to privacy can be enforced through the court system by filing a lawsuit for invasion of privacy.

Here are the four main types of invasion of privacy claims:

• Intrusion of Solitude – like intercepting private information intended for another party
• False Light – spreading false information or hearsay about another person
• Appropriation of Name or Likeness – includes impersonating another person
• Public Disclosure of Private Facts – publishing content that may be truthful, yet harmful to someone when viewed in the public eye

Defamation

The rules that apply to defamation lawsuits have now of course entered the digital realm. Normally, defamation involves publishing something with negligence or malice that is harmful to another’s reputation. Slander is verbal defamation, while posting something online or through various social media channels such as LinkedIn of Facebook is considered libel. If you believe that you have been defamed online, contact us immediately to discuss your legal options and the best course of action.

Cyberbullying and Cyberharassment

Unfortunately, almost half of all teenagers have been victims of some form of cyberbullying, and it’s a growing trend in our digital age with vicious practices like “revenge-porn,” cyberharassment, cyberstalking cases making daily headlines. Contact us now if you or a loved one has been a victim of stalking, threatening or harassment via the internet or a mobile phone as you may be entitled to pursue tort claims such as harassment, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.