Government Consultation: Defamation and the
Internet: the multiple publication rule
Ref 015.09
The above Government consultation
paper considers the 'multiple publication' rule under which each
publication of defamatory material can form the basis of a new
defamation claim, and its effects in relation to online
archives.
The consultation examines the arguments for and against the
rule, together with the alternatives of a single publication rule
(which would allow only one claim to be brought in this
jurisdiction against particular defamatory material), or the
possible extension of qualified privilege to material in respect of
online archives in certain circumstances. It also considers
in the same context what limitation period for defamation claims
would be appropriate.
This consultation can be
accessed online here from the Ministry of Justice website.
The consultation will close on 16th December
2009.