Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Negative Internet Comment

Part of a website I run allows users to post comments about businesses listed in a database. Some comments are, of course, negative. Are there any legal issues with this? Do I have any liability toward the businesses that are listed, considering that (although all the information I make available is public) not all of them specifically consented to be on the site.


Asked on 2/12/08, 5:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gordon Firemark Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark

Re: Negative Internet Comment

Liability in this arena can be significant. If a False statement is made by a user, and causes injury to the business, that's Libel.

Whether the Service Provider (you) will also be liable is a quagmire of legal analysis, and much will depend on whether you moderate or monitor the comments, whether you exercise any editorial control, and whether you knew of the falsity of the statements made. You will need to consult an attorney to get into this with you in depth, and advise you after careful research and investigation.

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Answered on 2/12/08, 7:56 pm


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