Social media defamation presents a unique legal challenge, differing from traditional media (TV, newspapers) defamation due to the speed and uncontrolled nature of information dissemination. This service covers all major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and YouTube. Disinformation ("Fake News") spread on social networks often goes viral, destroying a person's or brand's reputation in seconds. The problem is compounded by the fact that defamers often use Fake Accounts or act through "Influencers," hiding the true instigator. Georgian court practice increasingly treats posts and comments on social media as public statements, incurring the same liability as statements made on TV. Legal assistance is essential for immediate evidence preservation and effective legal response.
What does the Social Media Defamation service cover?
This is a multidisciplinary service combining law and technology:
- Platform Communication: Official legal communication with Meta (Facebook, Instagram), TikTok, and Google (YouTube) demanding content removal or account suspension based on violations of their "Community Standards."
- Evidence Preservation: Immediate archiving of "Stories" and temporary posts using legally valid methods so the author cannot delete them to avoid liability.
- Stopping Cyberbullying and Harassment: Taking legal measures not only against defamation but also against online stalking and insults.
- Influencer Liability: Disputes against bloggers who spread unverified information and damage a business or person.
- Identification: Initiating legal procedures to identify anonymous "trolls" (involving police if there are signs of criminal activity).
Common Scenarios and Needs
Social media defamation often appears in the following forms: TikTok Trends: Videos mocking a person or spreading rumors about their private life. Instagram "Cancel Culture": Organized attacks on a public figure or brand due to old or out-of-context phrases. Facebook Groups: Defamation spread in closed groups, seen by a large audience but hard to control. YouTube "Exposés": Videos where an author allegedly exposes a company for fraud but is actually spreading lies.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
Social media is regulated by the Civil Code of Georgia (Article 18) and the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression. The law does not distinguish between platforms—defamation is defamation, whether in a newspaper or on TikTok. However, in the case of social media, the platform's internal rules (Terms of Service) are of particular importance. Often, content removal is achieved faster by appealing to these rules (e.g., Harassment Policy) than through court. In court practice, there are already precedents where judges ordered defendants to publish a retraction on their personal Facebook page.
Step-by-Step Process
The lawyer assesses the content: is it an opinion (protected) or a fact (verifiable). If it is a false fact, evidence collection begins. The first step is reporting to the platform administration. If the platform does not react, a warning (Cease and Desist) is sent to the author. The final stage is a lawsuit demanding deletion, retraction, and compensation for moral damages. In case of a win, if the defendant does not delete the post, they face daily fines enforced by the Enforcement Bureau.
Why Legal.ge?
Social media disputes require speed. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who understand how digital platforms work and have experience communicating with Meta and Google. We will help you stop viral defamation and protect your reputation in the online chaos. Act in time with Legal.ge.
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