Fake Online Profiles Trigger Suits

Phony profiles on social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook are triggering lawsuits by school officials and public figures who claim that their reputations are being damaged online. Specifically, plaintiffs are suing individuals who are creating fake profiles of them, replete with derogatory comments, obscenities, unflattering photographs and, in some cases, sexually offensive information. The litigation has sparked an intense debate over the First Amendment, with some attorneys claiming that online bashing through fake profiles is protected free speech

This article requires premium access

This article requires premium access to Law.com. Please sign in or subscribe to read the full text.