Medical professionals often do not think of themselves as service providers who must market to consumers. There is an assumption that there is a built-in client base because people always need healthcare support. However, older healthcare professionals in particular may fail to recognize how the internet has changed consumer behavior. People now consult the internet when choosing a doctor or deciding if they need care at all. Angry or frustrated patients could very well post videos or reviews online that do major damage to a professional’s reputation or a private medical practice. All too ofte ..read more

Whether you’re a fan or not, artificial intelligence (AI) use continues to expand. This means that the use of “deepfake” technology is also a growing trend. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, “deepfake” refers to synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else’s likeness using AI technology. In essence, a deepfake is an AI-created digital fabrication. Unfortunately, deepfakes are very realistic, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not. They have led to impersonation, fraud, blackmail, as well as the spread ..read more

As AI gains in both popularity and notoriety, the legal implications of this technology have begun to arise. It’s been found that, when entering queries about well-known individuals, ChatGPT may generate information that is false. Because of this, some legal experts believe that AI companies should be held responsible for any defamatory content they produce. Though Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects internet companies from legal liability for content posted by their users, many believe that the law should not apply to AI publishers. How Does AI Produce False Content? AI pub ..read more

The state of Florida is attempting to change their defamation laws, and if passed, the changes would make it easier for public officials to bring defamation lawsuits against their critics, namely those in the media. The proposed HB 757 would reverse decades of Supreme Court precedent on defamation law, allowing lawsuits to be brought against nearly anyone who publishes criticism of a public official. The repercussions of passing such legislation could lead to a huge increase in defamation lawsuits and, ultimately, cost the state millions of dollars in legal fees. Interestingly enough, similar ..read more

There’s no doubt that social media has become a huge part of our everyday lives. Whether we’re making connections with friends and family, or in the business world, nearly everyone is using at least one social media platform such as Facebook, Twitter/X, or Instagram. However, with this widespread use of social media comes an array of potential legal problems. This has led to the rise of a new legal specialty: social media lawyers. Social media lawyers specialize in internet-related legal issues, such as cyberbullying and online defamation, but they can also help people navigate many other onli ..read more

When people take to Facebook or other social media outlets to post about neighborhood crime, whether suspected or confirmed, it may seem fairly harmless. In fact, most people post this type of thing with the good intent of warning others who might be affected. However, this tactic, often known as “online naming and shaming” could get you into legal trouble because you are subjecting the named person to embarrassment, harassment, and/or public condemnation. Many online community pages are popular sites for posting photos or videos of alleged criminals in action, but publicly accusing someone of ..read more

There was once a time when capturing photos of people required special equipment and, at times, professional services. Now, most adults have devices more powerful than most cameras that require film. Individuals can take pictures of themselves or others and capture video footage of anything they experience. The proliferation of mobile devices has helped people capture self-portraits of all kinds. People are more comfortable than ever before sharing intimate images of themselves with prospective or current romantic partners because they control the process. Some people even monetize images of t ..read more

While both the United States and Canada share common legal roots, there are differences in how they handle online defamation. Though both countries have defamation laws that apply to online statements, the legal standards, procedural rules, and available defenses can differ. Defamation Law in the U.S. Let’s begin with several key pieces of information to know when it comes to online defamation law in the United States: First Amendment Protections The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, including opinions and even some false statements. As a result, defamation l ..read more

Online defamation, also known as internet defamation, occurs when false statements that harm someone’s reputation are published on the internet. Defamatory statements can take various forms online, including written posts, comments, images, videos, or any other content that can be disseminated through the internet. Online defamation is subject to the same legal principles as defamation in other mediums, but the unique characteristics of the online environment can present specific challenges and considerations. The following are some key aspects related to online defamation: Elements of Defamat ..read more

Section 230 refers to a provision of the Communications Decency Act which passed in 1996. This section, often abbreviated as CDA 230, provides legal immunity to online platforms and service providers for content posted by their users. The key provision of Section 230 states: “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.” Below, I  explain that this means that online platforms, such as social media websites, forums, and other interactive websites, are not held legally ..read more