Information Society Watch

October 12, 2006, Ed Pilkington, The Guardian

A woman has been awarded a large sum in costs and damages on winning a case of online slander. This award is thought to be the largest verdict of its sort relating to online postings. However, the accused party could not defend herself, and media lawyers say the award is less likely to set a precedent. It is certain, though, that the deluge of unmediated commentary from individuals online is transforming media law. Although there are a number of cases in which individuals have been sued by companies for their online comments, private individuals are less likely to sue each other.

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