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ARTICLE · 12 MAY 2026

Online Defamation And Social Media: A Practical Guide

Economou & Co LLC
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Social media is now central to how individuals and businesses communicate. However, the same features that make these platforms effective, speed, reach, and ease of sharing, also increase the risk of reputational harm.

CyprusLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Eleftherios Economou
Eleftherios Economou

1. Overview

Social media is now central to how individuals and businesses communicate. However, the same features that make these platforms effective, speed, reach, and ease of sharing, also increase the risk of reputational harm.

False or misleading statements can circulate rapidly and cause significant damage before they can be addressed. This guide explains, in practical terms, how defamation operates under Cyprus law and what steps can be taken when harmful content appears online.

2. Understanding Defamation in Cyprus

In Cyprus, defamation is treated as a civil wrong. The relevant principles are found in the Civil Wrongs Law (Cap. 148), supported by common law.

According to section 17(1) of Cap. 148, defamation consists of the publication by any person and by any means any matter which (inter alia) naturally tends to injure or prejudice the reputation of any other person or is likely to expose any other person to general hatred, contempt or ridicule.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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