A woman who was subjected to a torrent of abuse via Facebook is taking Facebook to court in an effort to unmask her tormentors.
Nicola Brookes, a Brighton resident, brought the case, a first of its kind in the UK, in an attempt to launch further action against users who created a fake profile in her name.
The 45 year old found herself subjected to an internet hate campaign after posting a supportive comment on an X Factor singers webpage, these included accusations that she was a paedophile and death threats.
Speaking to the Telegraph Brookes recalled: “They started getting very personal, looking at my Facebook account, and talking about my appearance, my age and my illness. I hadn’t invited any of it, but they ganged together and started inciting a sort of public hatred of me.
“A criminal offence has been committed and the police should be involved hunting down these perpetrators, but no such assistance is provided.”
A spokesman for Sussex Police said that it was ‘difficult’ to track anonymous online posters.
If Brookes is successful in her bid it would have repercussions for all social media outlets, forcing them to be much more aggressive in targeting perpetrators.
Comments
comments
Has she never heard the phrase "sticks and stones may brake my bones, but names will never hurt" Facebook gives you controls to ignore people I recommend you use them and just ignore these "trolls". I hate the fact name calling online is quickly becoming called bullying.
Write Your Comment