Blog

How to preserve Instagram account data and request disclosure before it’s too late

When false allegations are sent from an anonymous social media account, the damage can be instant and irreversible. In this case study, our client, Adam (not his real name), faced a devastating smear campaign on Instagram that led to the breakdown of his long-term relationship, and how missing a short deadline for Instagram account deletion meant the opportunity to unmask the person responsible was lost.

How we helped a small farm shop defend its reputation

Many small business owners will recognise the sinking feeling that comes when a single disgruntled customer, even after attempts have been made to address their concerns, launches into an online campaign to destroy a reputation built over many years and thousands of hours of hard labour. This was exactly what happened to our client in this case study. We share how we helped the owners of a rural farm shop stop a campaign of fake reviews and defamatory posts, protect their reputation, and regain control.

how to stop a fake online reviews harassment campaign

What to do when a defendant retaliates through defamatory and harassing online reviews.

How a social media post caused a professional nightmare

Our client, a dentist working in Manchester, contacted us after his life was turned upside down by a single moment and an even faster-moving online backlash. One misunderstood comment outside a nightclub, followed by an Instagram story accusing him of harassment, snowballed into a near reputational ruin only spared by his fast response and prompt legal advice he sought. This case centres around one critical theme: how defamation via social media, even without formal charges or evidence, can destroy a career and future prospects.

How our client fought back and got defamatory reviews removed from Trustpilot

Imagine spending years building a trusted brand, only to find your company accused of being a scam online. That’s exactly what happened to one UK home and garden retailer, who found themselves under attack on Trustpilot.

Dozens of anonymous reviews claimed fraud, dishonesty and worse, none of it true. The platform refused to help. Here’s how we helped restore their online reputation, got the worst reviews removed, and forced Trustpilot to give back control.

UK first injunction served via Instagram

On 5 June 2015 defamation lawyer, Yair Cohen had made a bit of a history by having obtained permission to serve the first harassment/defamation injunction on an anonymous internet troll via Instagram. Yair represented the Claimant in the case of DDF v YYZ before HHJ Nicol J at the High Court.

Legal help for businesses facing fake and defamatory online reviews

Every day, businesses across the UK are targeted by fake and damaging online reviews. These attacks are often malicious, sometimes even planted by competitors, and they can quickly ruin reputations built over years—if not decades. At our firm, we specialise in helping business owners not only remove these harmful reviews but also restore their good name. Here's how we helped one client fight back and reclaim control over their business identity.

Case study: Defamation on TrustPilot

This case study explores the growing mistrust in TrustPilot's review system due to its lack of transparency and potential biases. We examine a medical practice targeted by defamatory reviews, highlighting the challenges faced and the legal strategies used to combat them, while offering practical advice for businesses in similar situations.

Case Study: What to do if you face defamation on X (Twitter) by someone from the US

This Twitter defamation case study delves into our strategic approach to an international online defamation case, where our client faced serious false allegations on Twitter. Despite various jurisdictional and legal challenges, our team effectively mitigated the defamation, safeguarding our client's reputation.

I found my name is associated with pornography, what can I do?

Discovering your name linked to pornographic content can feel overwhelming and deeply distressing, especially when you have never consented to or participated in such material. You are not powerless. In this case study, we share how one of our clients faced the same situation and how we were able to help her remove the damaging associations and reclaim her online reputation.

How to identify anonymous fake Google reviews and stop online harassment

Online defamation and harassment can tear through reputations and businesses — especially when it comes from people you once trusted. This is the story of how we supported a couple who were subjected to a calculated, malicious online campaign and how we used the law to fight back.

How we stopped a campaign of online defamation and harassment against a charity worker

In this case study, we reveal how our legal team put a stop to a Facebook smear campaign targeting a pair of community leaders. It illustrates what victims of online defamation, harassment and malicious falsehood can do to regain control and protect their reputations.

How to deal with online defamation by a competitor

It is getting progressively more challenging for legitimate businesses to protect their online reputation against illegitimate defamation posts. However, there is still plenty that every business can do to protect its online reputation from internet defamation.

Are companies liable for defamatory comments posted by employees?

In this case study, we examine the concept of vicarious liability in defamation, where employers can be held accountable for their employees' defamatory actions if these occur within the scope of employment. We focus on the legal precedents, particularly the case of Paul Britton and Origin Design, where an employee's misuse of company resources for defamation resulted in significant legal repercussions for both the individual and the company. This study highlights the conditions under which a company may be liable and provides strategies for businesses to protect themselves from similar reputational risks.

Defamation following the breakup of a music band

This study explores a defamation case involving a talented musician who served as the lead solo guitar player for a prominent band from 2013 to 2018. The case details the challenges faced when our client was abruptly dismissed from the band, followed by a series of defamatory actions and public accusations made by the band's leader. These events not only impacted our client's professional reputation but also took a significant toll on his personal life and mental well-being. This case serves as a crucial example of the importance of timely legal intervention in defamation cases, especially in an industry where public image and reputation are paramount.

How statements made on social media are judged under the law

A recent High Court ruling in the defamation case of David Paisley v Graham Linehan has provided significant clarity to the complex boundaries of defamation law. I, together with my colleague Paul Greenberg and Counsel Mark Henderson, was pleased to represent David Paisley in this case, which involved important questions about reputation, the role of public interest, and how statements made on social media are judged under the law.