Defamation consists of the publication of opinions and untrue statements which adversely affect the reputation of a person or a group of persons. If such a statement is published in a permanent form, as is the case with statements published on the Internet, an action for libel may be brought against those responsible.
In accordance with the Defamation Act 1996, Staffordshire University is committed to taking all reasonable care to avoid the dissemination of defamatory material and it will act promptly to remove any such material which comes to its attention so far as is possible within the bounds of academic freedom. Remember that even messages which have only one intended recipient, may reach a vast audience through this medium. As a result, the transmission of statements which discredit an identifiable individual or organisation, may lead to substantial financial penalties.
You must:
ensure that all published facts are accurate
ensure that opinions and views expressed in personal home pages or via bulletin boards do not discredit their subjects in any way which could damage their reputation
obtain written approval from your Director of Faculty or Service before publishing or transmitting any potentially defamatory statement.
You must not:
place links to Bulletin Boards that are likely to publish defamatory materials
REMEMBER: YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS ARE PUBLICATIONS.