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 16^th December 2009.