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Facebook status updates increasingly used as libel evidence
People across Wiltshire are being warned to carefully monitor their Facebook status updates and wall posts as they are increasingly being used as evidence of libel, according to a local law firm.
Lemon&Co Solicitors, based in Regent Circus in Swindon, has raised the issue following a number of recent cases where people’s statements on the social networking site have landed them in court.
The comments relate to businesses, products, ex-colleagues and third parties and due to the public forum of Facebook – and other sites such as Twitter – the impact is felt immediately.
If this then causes serious damage to reputations, these postings can then be used as evidence to instigate a case of libel and a claim for damages.
Marianne Johns from Lemon&Co said: “Whilst most people are sensitive to the fact that posting derogatory statements about organisations and other people on Facebook can have serious consequences, there seems to be a rising number of people who are still unaware of the legal issues it can raise.
“Most individuals are aware of not saying anything on social networking sites about work colleagues or ‘the boss’, for example as, in severe cases, it can lead to disciplinary action.
“But it seems that many are not sensitive to the fact this should apply to anyone else including businesses. It’s wise to act with the same caution about any other you may have bad feeling towards. Posting up what you think of them could end up with an appearance in court and a serious claim in damages.”
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Lemon&Co is the trading name of LemonSolicitors LLP which is a limited liability partnership
registered in England and Wales with number OC362818. The registered office is 34 Regent Circus,
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