3 May 2018

Defamation in the social media age - legal analysis

From Morning Report, 8:20 am on 3 May 2018

That was Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern commenting yesterday on defamatory rumours circulating online about her partner Clarke Gayford. The rumours prompted the police to take an unusual step and issue a statement saying Mr Gayford is not and has not been the subject of any police inquiry. Being on the end of malicious gossip is not something just public figures have to endure. But in the internet age, taking action against the perpetrators can be extremely difficult. Steven Price is a barrister specialising in media law. He talks to Susie Ferguson.