When an Online Review Crosses the Line: Defamation Risks for Professionals
In today’s digital world, online reviews can build — or break — reputations overnight.
For business owners and professionals, a single false or misleading post can cause lasting harm to credibility and client trust. Recently, Boss Lawyers acted in a matter that shows how easily a negative online review can become a defamation claim.
The Case: False Allegations Against an Architect
An architectural practice with more than 25 years’ experience received a Google review accusing it of being dishonest and “willing to do anything for money”. The reviewer alleged the firm had deliberately cancelled a property sale to profit from rising market prices.
The allegations were completely false. The firm had no ownership interest in the development — it had simply been engaged as the project architect by a third-party developer.
Despite that, the review used emotive language suggesting greed, deceit and shameless conduct. These claims struck directly at the heart of the architect’s professional integrity and reputation in the industry.
Boss Lawyers issued a formal Concerns Notice under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld), explaining:
- why the statements were false and misleading;
- the specific defamatory imputations conveyed (dishonesty, lack of integrity, greed); and
- the reputational and commercial harm suffered by the client.
The Concerns Notice demanded:
- immediate removal of the review;
- a written apology and retraction;
- an undertaking not to republish the allegations; and
- payment of the client’s legal costs.
Within days, the matter was resolved — without the need for court proceedings.
What This Case Shows About Online Defamation
This case demonstrates that online reviews are not beyond the reach of defamation law. Under Australian law, anyone who publishes false statements that damage another person’s or business’s reputation can be held liable — including reviewers on Google, Facebook or any other online platform.
Key lessons include:
- Freedom of speech isn’t a licence to defame.
People are entitled to share genuine opinions, but not to make false statements of fact that harm reputation. - Corporations can sue too.
A business that is an “excluded corporation” (generally, a corporation with fewer than 10 employees) may be able to bring a defamation action in its own right. - A Concerns Notice is the first step.
Before filing court proceedings, the aggrieved person must usually give the publisher an opportunity to correct or retract their statement. A well-drafted Concerns Notice often leads to a swift resolution. - Reputation is everything for professionals.
For architects, engineers, consultants, and other professionals, even a single defamatory post can undermine years of goodwill and client relationships.
Have You Been Defamed Online?
If your business or professional reputation has been attacked online, it is important not to ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Practical steps you can take include:
- Preserve the evidence.
Take screenshots of the post, record the URL, and note the date, time and platform. - Avoid engaging emotionally in public.
Responding in the heat of the moment can inflame the situation or create additional publications that complicate your position. - Seek legal advice early.
A carefully worded letter or Concerns Notice from your lawyer can often secure removal, retraction and an apology without going to court. - Consider broader reputation management.
Where the damage has spread, a coordinated legal and communications strategy may be needed to restore confidence with clients, referrers and the market.
How Boss Lawyers Can Help
At Boss Lawyers, we regularly act for professionals, business owners and companies whose reputations have been harmed by false or misleading publications whether online, in print or through competitor conduct.
Our approach is strategic, pragmatic and fast. We understand that your reputation is one of your most valuable assets, and we act quickly to protect it.
If you believe you have been defamed or want to understand your options, contact Boss Lawyers on (07) 3188 0200.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should obtain independent legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances before acting or relying on any of the content.
