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US Court Adopts Narrow Approach in Internet Defamation Case
A Florida-based website called “Don’t Date Him Girl” invites women to post warnings about men they have dated who have cheated on them. Last June, one of the individuals named on the website launched a defamation lawsuit in Pennsylvania against the website, its creator, and the women who had allegedly posted comments about him. The comments were to the effect that he was a homosexual, poorly dressed cheater with sexually transmitted diseases. He alleged that the website failed to ensure that the postings on it were true, and that the statements posted on the website have affected his personal and professional life.
Justice Wettick ruled simply that the Pennsylvania Court had no jurisdiction over a Florida-based website. The plaintiff could have launched his suit in Florida or in a U.S. District Court; however, federal legislation in the United States prevents a website host from being held liable for postings of a third party. The lawsuit continues against the individuals who posted the statements.
Since the lawsuit was launched, the website’s size has tripled, ironically increasing the plaintiff’s profile and exposure to remarks he considers damaging. Interestingly, the plaintiff has thus far declined to make use of the “rebuttal” feature on the website, which allows men to respond to statements made by website members.
For additional information, visit:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06181/702314-51.stm