Where Do We Go from Here? Reflections on the LCO’s Consultation and Conference

This is a report on the Law Commission of Ontario’s one-day conference on defamation law and the Internet by the conference rapporteur. After reviewing the topical nature of the event (including its relationship with debate on defamation law in Ontario and elsewhere), this article discusses the position of defamation in a wider legal landscape. Points include the relationship between defamation and privacy, the impact of data protection, and the appropriateness of procedures. Then, the impact of technological change is assessed, referring to the liability of intermediaries, the enforcement of decisions, and the degree to which online communication can support a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Concluding remarks encompass the significance of human rights law, the reconsideration of conceptual and doctrinal frames for defamation, and the use of new technologies to address issues of reputation and responsibility.