THE use of social media for communication has grown rapidly over the last few years.
Critics will post views and statements on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Many are negative comments.
Perhaps this is because not many are able to write, comment or criticise positively in print media as these scribes do not meet the requirements of editorial standards.
The question of whether you could be hauled to court for negative comments you post on social media depends on whether your statements are defamatory or otherwise.
It is better to be safe than sorry.
Although there is a legal definition for defamation, what is defamatory is this: publishing something that damages the reputation of someone in the estimation of the right-thinking members of society.
Libel is publishing a false statement that is damaging to someone, while slander covers a false spoken statement that injures someone’s reputation.
Lawyers will advise us that there are defences such as truth, as well as absolute and qualified privilege.
My advice is that it is best to steer clear of any statements that harm or injure someone’s reputation.
Why the need to do this? Would we like it if the same is done to us? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” remains a good advice to this very day.
AZIZI AHMAD
Kuala Lumpur