• First Reference
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Blog Signup 📨

First Reference Talks

Discussions on Human Resources, Employment Law, Payroll and Internal Controls

  • Home
  • About
  • Archives
  • Conference
  • Resources
  • Buy Policies
You are here: Home / Business / The Facebook bullying case Part 3 – Too late for Amanda Todd but not too late for us

By Maanit Zemel | 2 Minutes Read November 28, 2012

The Facebook bullying case Part 3 – Too late for Amanda Todd but not too late for us

cyber-bullying
Image: info.uknowkids.com

A recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada has sent a message to all victims of cyberbullying– the Canadian courts can help you!
In two earlier postings, I discussed “The Facebook bullying case”, found here and here. To recap, an anonymous cyberbully (or bullies) created a fake Facebook page, which contained derogatory and defamatory content about a 15 year girl. The girl brought a defamation action against the cyberbullies and sought an order from the Nova Scotia courts that would assist in identifying the anonymous cyberbullies. She also sought an order that would prohibit the publication of her identity. The reason for the publication ban was clear – if the plaintiff’s identity was made public by the Courts and the media, it might lead to further bullying, harassment, and psychological harm to the young girl. The Nova Scotia courts granted the plaintiff an order seeking to identify her anonymous bullies, but refused to grant the publication ban, relying on the “open court” doctrine. The plaintiff appealed and her case made its way to the Supreme Court of Canada.
I am happy to report that the Supreme Court corrected this wrong and granted the plaintiff’s request to shield her identity. In its unanimous decision, the Supreme Court affirmed the importance of protecting our youth from cyberbullies and online defamation. By so doing, the Court has hopefully enabled other victims to come forward and use the civil courts to track down their tormentors, without the fear of having their identity revealed to the public.
Ironically, the decision was released a few weeks before Amanda Todd tragically took her life. It was too late for Amanda, but it is not too late for the rest of us.
Cyberbullying is a harmful practice that must be stopped. And it is not limited to our young (although they are certainly more vulnerable to it). Many adults are victims of cyberbullying and cyberlibel. If Amanda Todd’s tragic story has taught us anything, it is that we must fight cyberbullies using all available means, including our civil courts.
Maanit Zemel, Associate
Miller Thomson LLP

  • About
  • Latest Posts
Follow me
Maanit Zemel
Commercial litigator and principal at MTZ Law Professional Corporation
Maanit Zemel is a commercial litigator admitted to practice in Ontario and New York, with substantial experience and expertise in internet and social media law, including Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), online defamation, cyberbullying and cyber-security.
Follow me
Latest posts by Maanit Zemel (see all)
  • The new privacy tort – Another victory for victims of cyberbullying - February 16, 2016
  • Canadian cyberbullying laws – Where are they now? - January 18, 2016
  • My website allows users to post comments – can I be liable for defamation? - November 18, 2015

Article by Maanit Zemel / Business, Privacy / anonymous cyberbully, bullying, civil courts, cyberbully, cyberbullying, cyberlibel, defamation action, derogatory and defamatory content, facebook, harassment, identity revealed to the public, plaintiff’s identity, protecting our youth from cyberbullies and online defamation, psychological harm, publication ban, social media, Socialmedia, Supreme Court of Canada, The Facebook bullying case, “open court” doctrine

Share with a friend or colleague

Get the Latest Posts in your Inbox for Free!

About Maanit Zemel

Maanit Zemel is a commercial litigator admitted to practice in Ontario and New York, with substantial experience and expertise in internet and social media law, including Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), online defamation, cyberbullying and cyber-security.

Footer

About us

Established in 1995, First Reference is the leading publisher of up to date, practical and authoritative HR compliance and policy databases that are essential to ensure organizations meet their due diligence and duty of care requirements.

First Reference Talks

  • Home
  • About
  • Archives
  • Conference
  • Resources
  • Buy Policies

Main Menu

  • About First Reference
  • Resources
  • Contact us
  • 1 800 750 8175

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

We welcome your comments on our blog articles. However, we do not respond to specific legal questions in this space.
We do not provide any form of legal advice or legal opinion. Please consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction or try one of our products.


Copyright © 2009 - 2022 · First Reference Inc. · All Rights Reserved
Legal and Copyright Notices · Publisher's Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Accessibility Policy