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Original poster

Removal of threads considered to be 'potentially libellous' ie somebody has complained

80 replies

dikkertjedap · 13/02/2013 10:25

To think that threads are being removed because they are 'potentially' libellous (thinking about the Safecobs thread) is very sad as it makes it very difficult for people to find proper information on the internet.

On Mumsnet you can say all kind of things about certain NHS hospitals, but if you say something about this unscrupulous horse trader the threads are being removed and more people may become a victim.

AIBU to think that before removing such a thread Mumsnet HQ should seek a legal opinion rather than what could be seen as pandering to the threats of unscrupulous individuals?

OP posts:

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 14/02/2013 19:57

It isn't speech, a million. It's publishing.

BeerTricksPotter · 14/02/2013 19:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

greenhill · 14/02/2013 19:50

To be cynical: free speech only works if nobody else hears it, nobody else acts upon it and nobody else is in a position to do anything about it.

Otherwise we are in a free and fair democracy.

Just be thankful we are in a country in which we are not randomly thrown in prison, tortured and killed.

Many people do not have the luxury of free speech.

amillionyears · 14/02/2013 19:47

ooh, I would like to see it in action.
Do all the posts then get deleted?

eg, I sometimes see on here, posters complaining about certain companies that keep our electical goods functioning,certain companies that provide other sources of heating and cooking, and certain companies that help our tvs to work.
But I have yet to see a response from their PR or customer service departments.

BeerTricksPotter · 14/02/2013 19:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BeerTricksPotter · 14/02/2013 19:44

This reply has been deleted

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amillionyears · 14/02/2013 19:43

So there is far from free speech . Though I have worked out free speech doesnt really exist at all.

BeerTricksPotter · 14/02/2013 19:43

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

greenhill · 14/02/2013 19:40

amillion I suppose it would depend on how sensitive their cutting service was, how it was patrolled and how sensitive they were to any criticism.

amillionyears · 14/02/2013 19:38

So if I write a T supermarket, a M burger chain, and S swimwear chain, that would alert the companies?

greenhill · 14/02/2013 19:36

YY, beertricks most companies have cuttings companies that collect any statements relating to their names, so even if they do not see the statement themselves, it will be collected on their behalf. And acted upon.

amillionyears · 14/02/2013 19:33

Sorry, still dont understand.

Beer, I have never seen that. Didnt know it happened at all.
How do you know? Do they say they are from company x?

BeerTricksPotter · 14/02/2013 19:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

greenhill · 14/02/2013 19:31

Amillion I mean reporting threads that could be libellous, rather than posting potentially libellous comments!

amillionyears · 14/02/2013 19:28

I havent a clue what you are talking about greenhill.

greenhill · 14/02/2013 19:25

amillion why would it be so bad for posters to report threads to MNHQ to protect their favourite site from potential closure?

Maryz · 14/02/2013 19:19

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amillionyears · 14/02/2013 18:19

I think there is a poster who may be patrolling the boards as Maryz described.

Maryz · 14/02/2013 18:14

This reply has been deleted

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Snorbs · 14/02/2013 18:04

Pixel if you are dissatisfied with the way MN tries to keep itself out of court feel free to set up your own forum. You can then post what you want and moderate it as you feel is appropriate.

MNHQ

HelenMumsnet · 14/02/2013 17:50

If it's ok with everyone, I'm going to move this thread to Site Stuff. It's kinda where it belongs.

MNHQ

HelenMumsnet · 14/02/2013 17:48

@amillionyears

Sorry, I am more confused than before.[probably me being a bit thick].

If no one reports, than you are not liable.
That is, not us reporting or not a solicitor reporting.

But, if someone reports something, either a poster or a solicitor, or presumably anyone on the planet, once your attention has been drawn to it, then you are potentially liable?

So really, you dont want reports from anyone of anything possibly defamatory, because then you may have to do something.

Is that right?

No quite, amillionyears. What we're saying is, if doesn't matter if no one on the boards reports something potentially libellous. It may still be deleted by us, because we may be notified of the potential libel by email instead.

TheLoneRanger · 14/02/2013 17:48

I know this might seem like a technicality, but I'm curious: if I libelled someone, and no-one reported it, does that mean that I am solely responsible, as the person who posted it, and MNHQ are not liable at all?

amillionyears · 14/02/2013 17:47

But if no one reports it Pandemoniaa, and I mean anyone on the planet, then nothing happens does it?

Though I suppose in theory, MN is potentially liable for ever more?

BeerTricksPotter · 14/02/2013 17:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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