In a case and ruling that could have larger implications for online privacy and freedom of speech, Judge Boyd Boland, Federal Magistrate Judge in Denver has ordered an ISP to disclose the names of the yet un-named  commenters on Façonnable’s Wikipedia page.  The company is claiming that the users made false statements in the comments they posted.

The ISP’s attorneys sought U.S. District Judge Christine Arguello to examine the issue.  Boland’s ruling is on hold during while Arguello reviews the ruling.

The alleged comments made against Façonnable stated that Façonnable is a supporter of the terrorist group Hezbollah.  The company has stated that these claims are untrue.

Façonnable is owned by a Lebanon located M1 Group and was co-founded by a Lebanese politician who has had support politically from Hezbollah.  The politician described himself as a centrist.

—————-

At it’s worst, online defamation is a severe cybercrime. Though still a gray area in the law, online privacy and free speech cases are increasing in frequency due to the evolution of digital and social media.  It is important that you find a lawyer with experience in federal charges and understands the importance of your privacy and free speech.