Question on Liability

[LauraM]

Hi, All,

I know that in the US, there is a law regarding forums so that the forum owner cannot be held responsible for what is posted; only the actual posted can be held responsible. However, this does not, to my knowledge, address the PM system, specifically. Does anyone know what the liability issues and terms are regarding abuses of the PM system?

Thanks!

[Marco van Herwaarden]

Define "abuse of the PM system" please.

[LauraM]

Using it to harrass other members; ie, sending accusatory and/or threatening messages, or using defammatory language towards the receiving member.

Not spamming, but using it as a platform for a trying to intimidate, harrass or otherwise fight with another member.

[SEOvB]

how are you going to be help resonsible for something you have no idea that is going on since its private?

[LorinPotter]

This is also a question for lawyers, not laymen.

[LauraM]

Most lawyers have no idea what to do about internet forums liability. Its more productive, with questions like this, to go to those who make the software or those who use it most. You generally just get blank stares from a lawyer about stuff like this.

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how are you going to be help resonsible for something you have no idea that is going on since its private?

Well, that's what I would assume, I am just wondering if anyone has any specific information about this, like would the fact that it is private and similar to email be sufficient, or is it also covered under the Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, etc?