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Can I get in trouble for lying on internet forums?

Asked over 2 years ago - Seattle, WA

So, being familiar with internet forums for quite a long time, I realize that for the sake of giggles, you can pretty much lie about anything. But sometimes, these lies are taken seriously by forum members, and sometimes, they "attempt" to pursue "legal" action. For example, I tend to troll forums for reactions. I claimed I killed a guy. Needless to say, Moderators were trying to trace back my IP address and report it to the "proper authorities" (this being a police department across the country, lol). I realize that since it's a private board, they can do whatever they want. Oh yeah, since they got my IP address from my private university....would they go as far as to contact them and attempt to defame me somehow? Can I do what I want on the internet?

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Jonathan H Levy

Reputation Level 19

Answered over 2 years ago. International Law Attorney in Washington, DC.

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Nope, continue and you will eventually be arrested for some crime you did not commit. As for being defamed, I don't see how that applies in this case. Plenty of hoaxers have been arrested on a variety of charges, so you would be wise to discontinue your activities.

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Kenneth Lewis Swenson, licensed in California

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Alan James Brinkmeier

Reputation Level 20

Answered over 2 years ago. Lawsuit / Dispute Attorney in Chicago, IL.

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No you can be arrested and charged. You can be served and sued for defamatory comments. You simply cannot do what you want on the internet, because Freedom of Speech does have boundaries.

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