Protection of Reputation and Defamation
A good reputation is a valuable asset for a person and a company, which one false statement or offensive post can quickly call into question. If inaccurate or defamatory information about you is circulated on the internet, in the media or on social media, you have the right to demand its retraction, correction, removal and, where necessary, compensation for damage.
Damage to reputation can take many forms, such as false statements in a news article, an offensive or defamatory social media post, unfounded allegations or disclosure of private information. Especially on the internet, such information spreads quickly and remains accessible for a long time, so it is important to react as early as possible, before the damage increases.
The law distinguishes between statements of fact and value judgments. In the case of an incorrect statement of fact, retraction or correction can be required. In certain cases, removal of a post, article, comment or search result can also be required, as well as compensation for material or non-material damage.
Law Firm Namm helps protect the good name of both private individuals and companies throughout Estonia. We work in Estonian, Russian and English.
What services we provide in reputation protection
- Advice and representation in defamation and insult to honour matters
- Claims for retraction and correction of incorrect statements of fact
- Removal of false information and offensive content from the internet
- Disputes related to social media posts
- Disputes related to media and journalistic publications
- Violations of privacy and personal data in the media
- Claims for non-material damage caused by harm to reputation
- Preparation of a reply and request for its publication
- Removal of information from search results, right to be forgotten
- Advice on responding to press enquiries and public statements
- Reputation protection in a crisis
Frequently Asked Questions
False information about me is being spread on the internet. What can I do?
You have the right to demand the retraction, correction and removal of incorrect information. Often the fastest solution is a claim prepared by a lawyer and sent to the publisher or platform, which in many cases leads to removal of the information without going to court. If this does not help, you can protect your rights in court and also claim compensation for damage. We recommend reacting as early as possible and preserving evidence, such as screenshots.
Can an offensive post be removed from the internet?
Often it can. Depending on the content, removal can be demanded from both the publisher and the platform, such as a social media channel. In certain cases, it is also possible to demand removal of information from Google search results if the information is incorrect, outdated or excessively interferes with private life. Each situation is different, but in many cases a solution exists.
A media outlet published incorrect information about me. What are my options?
You may have the right to demand publication of a correction or reply and retraction of the incorrect information.
Can I claim compensation for damage to reputation?
In certain cases, yes. If the publication of incorrect or defamatory information has caused you damage, it may be possible to claim compensation for both material and non-material damage, including emotional suffering. Whether compensation is possible and how much can be claimed depends on the seriousness of the violation, the spread of the information and the consequences.
How quickly should I react?
The sooner, the better. Information spreads quickly on the internet and each day may increase the damage. Early reaction gives the best chance to remove the information, preserve evidence and stop further circulation. Therefore, when in doubt, it is worth seeking advice immediately rather than waiting until the situation escalates.
I am facing a press enquiry or public accusation. How should I act?
A public statement or press enquiry is often a tense situation that requires a quick response, where every word matters. Before responding, it is worth thinking through whether to respond at all and, if so, what to say and how to say it without harming your position. We help prepare a considered response and protect your reputation even before a possible dispute escalates.