Can an individual be liable for defamation if the statement was made on a website or blog?

Yes, an individual can be liable for defamation if the statement was made on a website or blog in Pennsylvania. Defamation of character is a form of personal injury that occurs when someone makes a false statement of fact—written or verbal—about another person or organization, which results in harm to their reputation. Under Pennsylvania defamation law, a person or organization can sue someone for making a false statement, even when it is published online. Online defamation cases are brought in civil court and are treated the same as other forms of defamation. Plaintiffs must show that the defendant made a false statement of fact, that the statement was communicated to a third party, and that the statement caused the plaintiff harm in some way. The court considers online defamation cases much as it considers any other case of character defamation. This means that the defendant must be proven to have acted with intention or “actual malice” and that the words or statements used to defame must have been false. Those found guilty of defaming someone via a website or blog will face legal penalties, which can include an injunction on republishing the statement, damages to the plaintiff, and in some cases, even jail time.

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Can an individual be liable for defamation if the statement was made on a website or blog?

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