The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) today releases a major new report, Defamation Law in the Internet Age. Defamation law balances two conflicting values: protection of reputation and freedom of expression. The LCO report considers how to adapt defamation law to the internet, including social media, online personal attacks, false online reviews, “new media” organizations and internet platforms.
The LCO report makes 39 recommendations addressing Ontario’s Libel and Slander Act, the substantive law of defamation, publication, notice, limitation periods, injunctions, jurisdiction, takedowns, internet intermediaries and related issues. The report builds on successful reforms to date, such as Ontario’s anti-SLAPP legislation. The report is based on the most extensive research and comprehensive consultations of defamation law undertaken in Canada.