Social media harassment

People often speak about harassment and defamation as if they are the same thing, but the law treats them very differently in many respects, including the potential defences available, the limitation period to bring a claim and even which legal jurisdiction is the most appropriate for each claim. Many clients first come to us because they feel overwhelmed by harassing posts or messages online, yet they do not know which legal route offers the strongest protection.

Our firm guides them through this with care and with a highly strategic approach. Defamation happens when someone publishes false statements that damage your reputation. Harassment happens when someone targets you with unwanted behaviour that causes distress or alarm. Online spaces often mix these two problems.

Our team at Cohen Davis specialises in both harassment and defamation. We understand how these claims interact and how to build a strategy that protects you without forcing you into unnecessary legal risks. If you believe that you are being harassed and defamed online, it is important that you understand the potential and limitations of each cause of action. Book a consultation with one of our expert lawyers who will give you the clarity you need at this point in time and who will guide you through the solutions that are right for you.

Social media defamation

30 June 2025 | Yair Cohen | Business Defamation

Unique features of defamation on social media

If someone has posted false or harmful statements about you online, you may be facing social media defamation. This can damage your reputation, impact your personal and professional life, and leave you feeling powerless. However, you do have options. Understanding what defamation is and how to respond can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and your reputation.

Defamation and harassment against a solicitor

27 October 2025 | Tamar Cohen | Business Defamation

Solicitor defamed online: how false reviews and Facebook posts damaged a legal practice and what we did to stop it

Running a legal practice carries immense responsibility and public scrutiny. When a former client’s relative began spreading false fraud claims on Facebook, Trustpilot and local forums, the impact on Emily’s firm was immediate as clients cancelled, partnerships paused and staff morale dropped. Emily turned to us to protect her reputation and stop the escalating damage.

Defamation on Facebook – low cost identification

23 October 2025 | Tamar Cohen | Social Media Defamation

How affordable is it to unmask an anonymous Facebook defamer?

Even one anonymous Facebook post can damage your reputation. If you’ve been defamed by a fake account, our affordable in-house investigation tools and expert legal strategies can help identify the culprit and stop the defamation

Exposing a fake Instagram account that spreads defamation

24 August 2025 | Super User | Social Media Defamation

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 to defend yourself from viral online defamation on TikTok

23 October 2025 | Tamar Cohen | Social Media Defamation

How we stopped false TikTok rape allegations from destroying a young man’s future

What happens when someone falsely accuses you of rape online and those claims go viral? Our client faced a torrent of abuse and public shaming after a former partner published defamatory TikTok videos with serious criminal allegations.

False accusations of sexual assault online

20 October 2025 | Tamar Cohen | Social Media Defamation

How we helped a university student stop online defamation and harassment

False accusations of sexual assault can devastate a young person's life, especially for students navigating early adulthood while trying to focus on their studies and future. This was the experience of our client.

How to identify your internet troll

23 June 2015 | Yair Cohen | Disclosure and discovery of anonymous internet users

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.

When legal action leads to a defamation campaign

22 July 2025 | Tamar Cohen | Business Defamation

how to stop a fake online reviews harassment campaign

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

How to serve an Instagram injunction

23 June 2015 | Super User | Legal Action for Defamation

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.

Defamation at school

20 September 2024 | Yair Cohen | Social Media Defamation

Defamation against children is a growing problem for parents

Child defamation, whether through playground gossip, after-school rumours, or false accusations on social media, is becoming an increasingly difficult issue to manage. These false claims can have devastating effects on children and their families, leaving them feeling isolated, frustrated, and unsure of where to turn for support.

Twitter defamation case

06 June 2023 | Yair Cohen | Social Media Defamation

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.

How to remove defamation from YouTube: protect your reputation

14 July 2025 | Tamar Cohen | Social Media Defamation

What to do if when you are defamed on YouTube

If you’ve been targeted by defamation on YouTube, there are legal ways to take action, ways that actually work if handled properly. At Cohen Davis, we specialise in this kind of work. We want you to understand what’s possible and how the law can help.

Average payout for defamation of character in the UK

08 October 2024 | Yair Cohen | Legal Action for Defamation

How much can you claim for defamation of character

If you’re considering bringing a defamation case in the UK, it’s crucial to have an idea of the potential payout you might receive. Defamation claims are designed to compensate you for the harm caused to your reputation, but the amount you can be awarded varies depending on several factors. So, what’s the average payout for defamation of character in the UK, and how is it determined?

What to do if you’ve been defamed on Twitter (X)

07 July 2025 | Tamar Cohen | Social Media Defamation

I’ve been defamed on X – here’s what you need to know

Being defamed on Twitter — now called X — can feel overwhelming. One moment, everything is fine. The next, your name or your business is being dragged through the mud in a viral post. X moves fast, and the impact can hit hard and spread quickly. Whether you're a public figure, business owner, or private individual, the effects of defamation on this platform can be long-lasting and deeply personal. If you're facing this situation, you're not alone. There are clear steps you can take to protect your name and your future.

Defamation on Tatte.Life

30 May 2024 | Yair Cohen | Celebrity Defamation

Taking legal action to remove defamation from Tattle.Life

If you've ever found yourself the target of online defamation, particularly on platforms like Tattle.Life, this case study will be of particular interest to you. In this analysis, we explore why Tattle.Life is considered a defamatory website, often under the guise of "gossip," where harmful and false statements about individuals can cause significant emotional distress.