In this article · 9 sections
- Defamation vs criticism
- Step 1: Document it
- Step 2: Respond calmly where sensible
- Step 3: Report to the platform
- Step 4: Contact the website or host
- Step 5: Legal notice and court
- Step 6: Search results
- Content hosted by Joboo Web
- FAQs
- Can I force a customer to delete a bad review?
- Can an anonymous poster be identified?
False accusations on a website, blog, social post or review can hurt a business or person badly. But not every negative statement is defamation. Here's how to approach removing defamatory content online in India.
Defamation vs criticism
- Defamation: a false statement of fact that harms reputation, published to others
- Not usually defamation: honest opinions, true statements, fair criticism, genuine negative reviews
Indian law recognises both civil defamation and criminal defamation (now in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023). Truth and fair comment are important defences.
Step 1: Document it
URLs, screenshots, dates, author details, and how it's harming you. See evidence of online infringement.
Step 2: Respond calmly where sensible
For reviews, a factual, polite public reply often helps more than removal. See how to reply to negative reviews.
Step 3: Report to the platform
Google, Meta, YouTube and review sites have reporting tools for policy violations, impersonation, harassment and legal complaints. See fake reviews and the law.
Step 4: Contact the website or host
- Ask the site owner to correct or remove false statements
- Hosts often require a court order for defamation, because they can't judge truth. See Section 79 IT Act and report to hosting provider
Step 5: Legal notice and court
A lawyer's notice may prompt removal. If not, courts can grant injunctions directing removal and blocking. Platforms generally comply with court orders.
Step 6: Search results
Once removed or covered by a court order, request Google to remove outdated results. See remove personal information from Google.
Content hosted by Joboo Web
Submit a complaint through our legal request form with evidence and any court order. Our copyright policy explains how we handle content disputes.
FAQs
Can I force a customer to delete a bad review?
Not if it's genuine opinion. Pressuring or threatening reviewers can backfire.
Can an anonymous poster be identified?
Courts can order platforms to disclose details in appropriate cases.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult a lawyer.
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