Question

Normally, one who repeats or otherwise republishes a defamatory statement is subject to liability as if he or she had originally published it. Thus, newspapers, magazines, and television and radio stations are subject to liability for defamatory content that they publish or broadcast, even though the content was prepared or created by others.

Applying this rule to cyberspace, however, raises an important issue:  Should ISP's be regarded as publishers and therefore held liable for defamatory messages that are posted by their users in online forums or other arenas? (Answer this question in your own words, according to what you learned from your e-book reading, but DO NOT past and/or copy anything from any source).

Answer 1

Newspapers,Magazines,television & radio stations are subject to liability for defamatory content that they publish or broadcast, eventhough the content was prepared or created by others because, they are able to view or read what they have published or broadcasted.

But, Internet Service Providers(ISP's) are not be able to view or read what there users are posting & discussed in their online forums or other arenas. It is not possible for the ISP to have an eye on their users as they will be in more in number. Though ISP may provide different types of security checks to their users for not accessing any unauthorised content by the users. ISP cannot know what the users are doing or posting. So, he cannot be liable for the defamatory messages that are posted by their users in online forums or other arenas.