SA Fake Instagram Account for the Purpose of Slander - Harassment?

[Vidann]

If someone has set up a "fake" Instagram account and has posted screenshots of another person's Facebook page - which is public because of his business, with the purpose of identifying him and his business and slandering him, is this harassment, that is reportable? And is it possible to find out who it is?

Thanks

 

[Sophea]

Hi Vidann,

It is illegal in Australia to menace harass or offend someone using the internet. Depending on what slanderous material he is posting, it may also be considered defamation, for which you may be able to sue him.

Check out these articles:
Cyber Crime - Are You At Risk? - Legal Blog - LawAnswers.com.au
Defamation Law Archives - Legal Blog - LawAnswers.com.au

 

[Vidann]

Hi Vidann,

It is illegal in Australia to menace harass or offend someone using the internet. Depending on what slanderous material he is posting, it may also be considered defamation, for which you may be able to sue him.

Check out these articles:
Cyber Crime - Are You At Risk? - Legal Blog - LawAnswers.com.au
Defamation Law Archives - Legal Blog - LawAnswers.com.au

Thanks Sophia - I found out from someone who works in SA Police that while there may be a cause for civil action, it's only reportable to police if there are threats to harm, the harassment is sexual, or it's a domestic violence situation. It looks like defamation to me. It's hard when the account holder (the harasser) is not identifiable.