Defamation and Slander Offences on the Internet: Legal Dimension
The Internet is a platform where communication and information sharing increases rapidly. However, this wide area sometimes paves the way for the spread of negative behaviours such as insult and slander. In this article, I will discuss the offences of defamation and slander committed on the internet from a legal perspective.
Defamation Offence and Punishment
- What is the Offence of Defamation?
- Defamation is committed by attributing a concrete act or fact that may offend the honour, dignity and reputation of a person or by swearing.
- If the offence of defamation is committed via the internet or social media, it is punished in accordance with the provisions of Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).
- Penalties
- The penalty for the offence of insult is imprisonment from three months to two years or a judicial fine.
- In order for insulting the victim in absentia to be punishable, the act must be committed in the presence of at least three people.
- Example Situations
- Negative comments made by sending messages over the internet or on social media platforms may constitute the offence of defamation.
- Expressions such as “dishonourable”, “without dignity”, “retarded”, “stupid” constitute the offence of defamation.
Slander and Punishment
- What is the Offence of Slander?
- Slander means that a person is unfairly portrayed as guilty or defective.
- Unfounded accusations made over the internet may constitute the offence of slander.
- Penalties
- The penalty for slander is imprisonment from six months to three years or a judicial fine.
- The victim of the slander offence may file a lawsuit against the person falsely accused.
Internet and social media users should be careful against defamation and slander offences. Words and behaviour on the internet can have legal consequences. You should be aware of this issue in order to protect your reputation in society and not to harm others.