Latest defamation law updates

Instagram disclosure: A common struggle for victims of online defamation and privacy breaches

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.

The problem for individuals seeking disclosure from Instagram

When someone contacts Instagram directly to report serious issues like defamation, harassment or breaches of privacy, they are usually met with automated responses or find their reports dismissed altogether. The platform rarely discloses information about account holders, even in serious cases. This leaves victims feeling powerless, as they cannot identify the person behind the harmful content and are unable to stop the abuse. Most people do not realise that Instagram (owned by Meta) stores key information that could reveal who is responsible. However, Meta refuses to hand this over unless they are compelled to do so by a court. Without legal help, most individuals find this route too difficult to manage on their own.

There is a way to get disclosure from Instagram in the UK

Although this process is difficult for the general public, disclosure can be obtained through proper legal action. At Cohen Davis, we regularly help our clients secure High Court orders in England that compel Instagram to disclose the identity of anonymous users responsible for online defamation, harassment or privacy breaches. Previously, this could only be done by applying through courts in the United States, where Meta is based. That is no longer necessary. UK courts now allow for disclosure orders to be made against Instagram here, without the need for separate legal proceedings abroad. We have been successfully obtaining these orders for our clients and using them to bring an end to the abuse.

What victims of Instagram defamation should know

If you are being targeted on Instagram by someone hiding behind an anonymous profile, you do not need to rely on the platform’s internal systems alone. There is a clear legal route to uncover who is responsible. It is possible to force Instagram to hand over details, even when an account has been set up using a false name or email. With the right legal help, many of our clients have managed to take control of the situation, remove harmful content and begin restoring their reputations.