Removing content from Facebook, Twitter and other social media

As web lawyers, one of the most common forms of removal with which we help, is from Facebook as well as Twitter and other social media.

This is frequently on grounds of internet defamation (i.e. libel and slander) or infringement of privacy.

Often the starting point is for us to send a legal takedown notice to Facebook / Twitter. Depending on the situation, this may involve a submission via a relevant reporting form or a separate legal letter. Their levels of responsiveness can vary but, based on our experience of handing these cases, we have a reasonably good idea as to the kinds of cases which are more likely to “resonate” with them and result in removal.

It may also be appropriate to send a legal letter to the person who made the offending post, comment or review – if their identity is known.

If not, there may be a basis to apply to court for an order requiring the social media site to disclose all contact information held regarding the poster. But going to court is a last resort. Our objective is always to achieve takedown without the need for court if at all possible.