Internet Trolling Case Sparks Calls for an Online Ombudsman to Handle Social Network User Complaints Relating to Internet Content - What of the Idea?
Internet Law Bulletin, p. 78, September 2010
6 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2013 Last revised: 3 Dec 2013
Date Written: September 28, 2010
Abstract
Legal advisers representing social network providers need to be aware of the clear distinction between illegal offensive internet content, offensive internet content which is not illegal but which may violate a term of use stipulated by a social network provider in the contract users agree to, and offensive content which is neither illegal nor violates a term of use. Social network providers have varying obligations in relation to the removal of offensive internet content depending on the nature of the content. An initiative to establish an Online Ombudsman office, which would function to handle complaints by social network users regarding offensive internet content and advocate for the removal of this content, will be considered by the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-safety in the very near future. Based on the practical flaws of such a model, legal advisers would be prudent to monitor discussion by the Committee and make submissions as to the efficacy of such an initiative.
Keywords: internet trolling, online ombudsman, defacing tribute websites, federal law
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation