How can I defend myself against cyberbullying on the internet?
June 30, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Edith Fischer
Dear Lawyer,
I am reaching out to you as I urgently need help to defend myself against cyberbullying on the internet. My name is Renate Köhler and I have been a victim of defamatory comments and insulting posts on social media for some time now. These attacks have reached a point that is very distressing for me.
The situation began about a month ago when I noticed false rumors about me being spread on various online platforms. These rumors led to numerous negative comments and insults that have greatly affected my reputation and mental health. I have already tried to directly address the authors of the insulting posts and ask them to delete the content, but without success.
I am very concerned about the impact of this cyberbullying on my life and future. I feel powerless and do not know how to effectively defend myself against it. Are there legal steps I can take to defend myself against these attacks? What options do I have to hold the responsible parties accountable and remove the defamatory content?
I ask for your support and advice to assist me in this difficult situation and help me defend my right to privacy and dignity. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Renate Köhler
Dear Mrs. Köhler,
I deeply regret hearing about the distressing experiences you are facing on the internet due to cyberbullying. It is important for you to know that there are legal options available to defend yourself against such attacks and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Cyberbullying is a serious crime that can be prosecuted in Germany. If you are being subjected to defamatory comments and offensive posts on the internet, you can take legal action to protect yourself. Firstly, it is important to gather evidence by taking screenshots of the offensive content and documenting the profiles of the authors.
As a lawyer specializing in media law, I can assist you in taking legal action in this situation. You have the right to privacy and dignity, and I will do everything in my power to help you defend these rights. In such cases, for example, a cease and desist declaration can be obtained against the authors of the defamatory content. This obligates the authors to delete the offensive posts and refrain from publishing any similar content in the future.
Furthermore, criminal proceedings can be initiated against the authors if the content meets the criteria for defamation or libel. In such cases, it is important for you to report the incident to the police and provide the evidence you have collected.
It is undoubtedly a distressing and difficult situation you are facing, but it is important to stand up against cyberbullying. Please do not hesitate to contact me so that we can develop a strategy together to take action against the authors of the offensive content and defend your right to privacy and dignity.
Sincerely,
Edith Fischer, Lawyer specializing in media law
