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Internet and Social Media

Social media and the online world are evolving at an exponential rate which gives rise to new avenues for potential harm to individuals’ reputation and privacy rights. We provide tailored advice and support to clients across all aspects of reputation management and privacy law, through what can be a distressing experience, including:

  • Defamation
  • Misuse of private information including Image Based Abuse (also referred to as Revenge Porn)
  • Breach of confidence
  • Harassment
  • Breach of data protection rights

Online reputation

The internet and, in particular social media, has made it easier than ever for individuals’ reputations to be harmed. The impact of harm can be far-reaching, but swift and effective action can mitigate this.

Defamatory content or private information published online can cause significant harm given the ease at which it can be shared to a wider audience almost instantly. Our Reputation Management and Privacy team is experienced at providing efficient and effective advice to seek to get online defamatory content removed quickly and pursuing a defamation claim, where appropriate, for damages and/or an injunction.

Our expertise extends to providing advice in respect of other causes of action that may similarly harm an individual’s online reputation, such as privacy claims (including in respect of Image Based Abuse/Revenge Porn) and breaches of data protection rights.

We will always provide tailored analysis as to the best way to protect your online reputation and will offer honest advice on how to deal with harmful, or potentially harmful, online content.

Image Based Abuse

It is an offence to share personal and intimate videos or pictures of an individual without their consent. Image Based Abuse, sometimes referred to as ‘Revenge Porn’, is a serious crime which can have a significant impact on victims. Victims of Image Based Abuse may be able to pursue a civil claim in respect of both intimate content and also non-intimate content that has been shared without consent, such as images or videos which conflict with the victim’s religious or cultural values.

We are skilled in navigating what can be a traumatic experience for many victims with sensitivity and compassion. We are experts in creating a bespoke strategy depending on the specific facts of each case. We can provide guidance on the civil remedies available to victims, including damages, injunctions and the take down of content, regardless of whether criminal charges are brought against the culprit.

Online abuse

The internet and social media have created myriad new ways for individuals to be subjected to online abuse. Our team has experience in helping individuals navigate what can be an extremely distressing and unpleasant experience, with a view to limiting any potential harm.

Victims of online abuse may have numerous avenues for recourse available to them but traversing these can be legally complex.

We provide tailored advice to victims of online abuse focused on preventing any further harassing behaviour, getting offending online content removed and pursuing claims for damages and/or injunctions where appropriate.

If you would like to find out more about how Hamlins can help you, please contact us at mediadisputes@hamlins.com.

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