The internet has made it easier for people to communicate with one another. Unfortunately, there are those who abuse that privilege. They spread malicious and untruthful information online.
Digital defamation can be a major issue for individuals and businesses. Those with bad intentions can intentionally share damaging information online in an effort to destroy the reputation of a specific person or a business.
How can people and organizations protect themselves against digital defamation?
1. Conduct regular online searches
The easiest way to track what people share online is to conduct searches regularly. Using different search engines and browsers can be a smart move. People can even establish search alerts where search engines notify them of new results related to their name or the name of a business.
2. Establish an active social media presence
Maintaining an active presence on social media deters people from speaking negatively in a vacuum where there is no one to challenge them. Those who do not expect pushback because they are on a platform that the person or business they defame does not use may be more confident making negative statements. By establishing a presence on major social media platforms and checking in regularly, individuals and businesses can protect against social media defamation.
3. Check review and complaint sites
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a number of private entities provide people with an opportunity to leave reviews. For businesses and professionals, those reviews can have a major impact on reputation and future economic opportunities. Regularly checking review and complaint websites can help people identify negative statements quickly.
4. Respond appropriately to negative content
After finding a negative review or watching a video that defames an individual or a business, the target of that negatively can respond. They can do so directly on a specific website or social media post.
It may also be possible to make a blanket statement about those inaccurate allegations on a personal website or social media page. Doing so reduces the likelihood of people believing negative claims outright.
5. Take legal action when necessary
In scenarios where statements clearly constitute defamation because they exaggerate or fabricate circumstances, the business or individual implicated can take legal action. Initiating defamation litigation can result in the removal of inappropriate online content. Plaintiffs taking action related to defamation can also potentially seek compensation for the economic harm caused by defamatory digital content.
Being proactive about identifying and responding to defamation can help ensure a positive reputation online. Those struggling with inaccurate negative online content may need help holding others accountable for making inappropriate statements.