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What is the difference between slander and libel? 

On Behalf of | Jan 24, 2025 | Civil Rights

Both slander and libel are different types of defamation. Either one can be used to defend someone’s character if false statements are made about them. The difference is simply how those statements are made, in part because of how permanent or impermanent they are.

For instance, if a statement is broadcast or published, this is considered libel. It can be undone, but it’s a bit more permanent. On the other hand, if someone utters inaccurate statements, this speech may count as slander. It is still a form of defamation, but it is less permanent and may have a smaller audience.

What about social media?

One interesting area in which the law has been evolving relates to social media posts. If someone is defamed online, such as on Facebook or Twitter, does that count as a statement that the individual said or something that they published?

On one hand, the statements are written down and published online, so it seems like a clear case of libel. These are a bit more permanent.

On the other hand, writing something on social media is much different than publishing it in a book or a newspaper. Social media posts can quickly be deleted and may have a more limited audience. They are not as permanent. Likewise, in popular culture, people will often refer to things written on social media as something that the author “said.” A tweet that someone posts containing inaccurate information is something that they are saying to their followers, despite the fact that they are typing it out.

Either way, though, these false statements can be defamation and could cause serious harm to someone’s reputation and financial position. Those who have suffered harm need to know what legal steps they can take.