Can a person be held liable for defamatory statements made on a third-party website?

In Washington, a person could be held liable for making a defamatory statement on a third-party website. Defamation is a legal claim that involves making a false statement about someone that causes injury or damage to their reputation. A person who creates a defamatory statement can be held liable for civil damages as a consequence. In Washington, there are some protections for online speech. This includes a defense for internet service providers from liability for content posted by users. However, if someone makes a statement that is illegal, like defamation, then they can still be held liable. Washington law also sets out specific requirements for a defamation claim to be successful. In the case of third-party websites, such as social media platforms, the person who made the potentially defamatory statement may still be held liable. However, a person who only shared the statement without creating it can be exempt from liability, as long as they are not using the statement to advertise or promote their business. In summary, while a person could be held liable for making a defamatory statement on a third-party website in Washington, the specifics of the case and the laws of the state will determine the outcome. If someone believes they have been the victim of defamation, they should seek legal advice to understand their rights and any possible consequences.

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