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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.

Defamation lawyer Yair Cohen advises to remove emotions from any response to internet defamation.

You may have suddenly discovered that there is something defamatory written about you or your company over the internet.  You may, perhaps out of anger, respond to that post without thinking through the long-term consequences. If so, you may have just made the situation a thousand times worse with serious long term implications to your organisation.

It is not always a good idea to respond to negative comments on the internet.  Although you may feel the immediate urge to defend your reputation, consider your reaction carefully. If you decide to respond, you will need to plan what you say and ensure that anything that you do say will not cause you greater problems in the future. Defamation lawyer Yair Cohen says that the last thing you probably want to do is to enter into a never-ending dialogue with your accusers.

It is best to avoid using explicit language or to come across as defensive.  If you are responding on behalf of a company you will have to be aware that whatever you say may have a huge effect on the company’s reputation and even on its share prices.

Responding to negative comments could attract search engine results to the original defamatory post.  This means the comments you do not want people to see will become more visible on the web, drawing more attention than if they were simply left alone. This would then seriously damage your reputation, or your business, which could lead to huge consequences.

Whatever you decide to do, don’t gamble. Obtain professional advice immediately as you become aware of the defamation on the internet and follow it through.

Visit the Internet Law Centre to read tips on internet defamation.

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.