Defamation

[Chris Angelico]

On Thu, Oct 22, 2015 at 11:45 AM, John O'Hagan <mail at johnohagan.com> wrote:
> On Wed, 21 Oct 2015 00:09:18 +1100
> Steven D'Aprano <steve at pearwood.info> wrote:
>
>
>> I don't believe that the Python mailing list archives are hosted in a
>> country under the jurisdiction of European Law. If I'm right, then
>> removing posts sets a dangerous precedent of obeying laws in foreign
>> countries that don't apply.
>
> For better or worse, that's not how defamation law works. Generally,
> the defaming is regarded as happening where the material is read, i.e.
> at the point of download. The location of upload, hosting etc is
> irrelevant, although the uploader and the host can both be liable
> along with the author. Of course, the point is moot if none of those
> people has assets in that jurisdiction.

So... someone in Europe who rents a server in the US has to worry
about defamation law in literally every country on this planet, or
else IP-ban people from accessing the server, just in case s/he's
liable? Is that really how this works? Ouch.

ChrisA