Internet Forums

[hammerman]

If an anonymous person posts defamatory comments on an internet forum which are untrue, is it possible to ask the forum admin if they can find out who it is by looking up their IP address.

Nothing's happened but just wondering as a distant friend (Dr surgery manager) has been named by an anonymous person on a forum and was absolutely slated.

Reason I ask is that I wonder what could happen if that anonymous person is an employee.

Thanks, HM

[Marshwarble]

IP addresses are notoriously unreliable, but they can provide some clues.

Does the location device help if someone is posting on a tablet or mobile phone? I'm making the assumption that you want to know if they were working in the office at the time?

[Peter Pedant]

defamation is hugely expensive to sue over
Ashcroft did it over allegations that he was a child molester
and tracked down everyone
Mr Speaker Bercow paid £50k on behalf of his wife's tweet didnt he ?
I am certain he didnt show a profit on it
definitely a rich man's game

so he did it
but can you ?

I doubt it very much - but you / she can try. they will reject any appllciation on your behalf on a/c of data protection

the distant fren' should be doing this herself - but then your labour is free compared to lawyers hourly rates.

if it is another employee - then the employer can dismess her
( the defence would be 'well she is a stupid old lazy cow.... ' )

[Marshwarble]

I think HM is looking to carry out disciplinary action, not sueing. It's probably possible to set a trap to get someone to confess-it's usually done to create prestige, after all.