Fake news and cyber libel

BUSINESS OPTION WILMA I. MIRANDA

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W ith so much mud -slinging, criticism, and hate proliferating online, one naturally wonders: what does it take for a message to constitute cyber libel? These hate messages often stem from information circulating on social media, some of which proves valid and legitimate, while a significant portion is entirely fake.

In light of this, threats to file cyber libel from offended parties are becoming common—and may be entirely justified. But what exactly is cyber libel, and what are the consequences of committing this crime? One can face imprisonment for cyber libel based solely on a Facebook post if it falls under Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. This law further expands the coverage of libel to include defamatory statements made online, via social media, or through any electronic means. Hence, every social media user, particularly influencers or page administrators, must be extremely careful about what they post. Any information that is defamatory, made with malice, and damages a person's reputation is considered cyber libel.