AllFacebook - Latest Comments in Who is a Public Figure?

Re: Who is a Public Figure?

Mari Smith — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:56:32 -0000

Yikes - sounds like a big fat gray area of the law to me. I'm of the belief *anything* posted online is for public viewing. However, that does in no way, shape or form provide permission for others to create false identities, profiles or comments.

What a tragic case - I hope the authorities take appropriate action. If the teacher is completely innocent, sounds like a tough one to clear. But if there's an iota of doubt... well who knows.

Re: Who is a Public Figure?

Christine — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:17:02 -0000

The law is going to have to change. As more and more high school students join Facebook and MySpace, and kids as young as 4 or 5 are learning to use computers, eventually everyone will be considered a "public figure" by the current definition.

As a side note, it's libel, not liable.

Re: Who is a Public Figure?

Jonathan Kleiman — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:12:17 -0000

So we're all public figures?
Somehow I doubt that.

Re: Who is a Public Figure?

Kevin R. Guidry — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:00:33 -0000

Can you please support your assertion that "posting a photo online, creating a Facebook page, or blogging makes you a public figure...according to the law?" I am particularly interested in the "posting a photo online" and "creating a Facebook page" portion of your assertion.