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How can I get a website to remove false and harmful things posted about me, including personal information and photos of me?
Anonymous3 views2 answers
I recently found out that a website has posted false reports of me for some unknown reason. It included personal information, such as home address, email, and other contact information that it got from my Myspace page. They also took photos of me that belong to me and reprinted them on their page. What they are saying about me could potentially hurt me professionally and damage my reputation in the community, as well as disrupt my family life. The allegations this website is making are not of me doing anything illegal, but rather immoral, and they have no proof of any allegations. How do I go about having this website remove what it's saying about me and all information and photos of me?
I suggest you consult with a civil attorney and have that attorney write a cease and desist letter to the owners of this website. If that doesn't work, then you may need to file a civil complaint.
THESE COMMENTS ARE NOT LEGAL ADVICE. They are provided for informational purposes only. Actual legal advice can only be provided after consultation by an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Answering this question does not create an attorney-client relationship or otherwise require further consultation.
If the information was protected by copyright, which personal photos can be if you took them, then send a complaint to the website moderator or owner to remove your work. As far as the personal information, if you posted it, you cannot stop others from posting that information elsewhere. Contact information is not protected by copyright. You removed any privacy protection that might exist by disclosing that information online.
If the information is untrue and someone else posted it, check out the terms of use of the website, because this may violate those terms of use. If so, send a complaint on this as well. Unless the web host created this information, section 230 of the Communications Decency Act prevents you from treating the web host as the poster and suing them. However, you can still bring suit against whomever posted the false information if it is defamatory. Before filing such a claim, you should consult with a lawyer who handles defamation claims. They are difficult to prove and even harder to win. If the allegations are true or of public interest (like you are a public person even for a limited purpose), then you have no claim at all.
I hope this helps.
[This communication is intended as general information and not specific legal advice, and this communication does not create an attorney-client relationship.]
