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In this video, we explain how to recognise and deal with internet trolls. Learn how to spot common signs, protect your online presence, and take the right steps if you are targeted.

Instagram has become a breeding ground for anonymous online abuse. Many people find themselves the target of defamatory posts, doctored images or invasive content shared without consent. These attacks often come from hidden accounts, making it very difficult to take action, especially for people trying to resolve matters on their own. But there is a solution, and there is hope. Disclosure is possible through the courts in England. With expert legal help, victims can take meaningful steps to identify the people behind the abuse and begin to put things right.

How to successfully battle defamation on social media

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dealing with the frustration and hurt that comes with being a victim of social media defamation. It’s a tough spot to be in, and the impact can be overwhelming. But before you let it consume you, remember: you have options, and you are not alone. At Cohen Davis, we’ve worked with many individuals who have found themselves in similar situations, and we’ve seen first-hand how daunting it can feel. However, through our experience, we’ve learnt that there are effective strategies to address social media defamation and protect your reputation. Solutions vary depending on the case and the circumstances.

In some instances, it may involve direct communication with the perpetrator, while in others, engaging with the social media company might be necessary. There are also situations where obtaining subpoenas and disclosure orders is required, or even used to send a clear message to the individual defaming you, not directly, but indirectly through the social media platform, which will in most cases pass on details of our intention to proceed with legal action unless the defamatory posts are removed.

In more severe cases, filing claims against a known or unknown person becomes the best course of action. Social media defamation is not something you should live with or accept. There are very few law firms whose sole speciality is the internet and social media. Based on our experience, in the vast majority of social media defamation cases, we can help bring it to a successful end. It is essential to seek legal advice and maintain a strategy that works. Having a clear plan in place ensures that you stay focused and proactive, giving you the best chance to resolve the situation effectively.

At Cohen Davis, we believe that you’re stronger than this situation. We’ve seen clients face social media defamation and come out stronger on the other side. By taking proactive steps, seeking the right support, and focusing on solutions, you can navigate this challenge and protect your reputation. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. There are paths to resolution, and help is available when you need it.

Unravelling the identity of anonymous internet users

Without a shadow of a doubt, disclosure and discovery in defamation and reputation attack cases are among the greatest strengths of our law firm. We combine a variety of discovery methods, including advanced OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), where our specialist open-source investigation team excels at tracing and unravelling the identities of internet users who would otherwise prefer to remain anonymous.

Our team of investigators utilises specialist tools and open-source resources to identify individuals based on a variety of factors such as images, usernames, locations, connections with related individuals, and social media activity. This allows us to pinpoint the identities of those attempting to hide behind the veil of online anonymity. In addition to our investigative prowess, we are also renowned for obtaining disclosure orders and subpoenas in the UK, the US, and other parts of the world. We have developed a robust network of attorneys with whom we collaborate to deliver local subpoenas in a cost-effective manner. 

This network consists of law firms like ours, all specialising in internet law, with many of whom we have worked together for nearly two decades. These partnerships are built on strong personal relationships, ensuring seamless and efficient collaboration. The first step in any defamation case is often to identify the defamer, and we have a proven track record of success in achieving this, no matter where in the world they may be. Our expertise in disclosure and discovery makes us the go-to firm for clients facing defamation and reputation attacks, providing them with the critical information needed to pursue justice.