Hi all Ive got two cases at the moment when members are wanting to sue each other for liable/slander etc. One of them is now asking for my details such as home address so they can issue proceedings and get information like IP address and details on the person they are attempting to take to court. How do I stand on this, I dont think i'll supply my home address. I am wondering how exactly a court would issue me with proceeding for this and how would they want to confirm the users IP address, its not like im willingly going to give someone access to my database. How would they go about this if the court ordered it? I am in the UK, any help or advice would be appreciated. Also if there are any web sites that outline laws covering forums in the UK, or any other places to get information it would be much appreciated; with a large and growing community this seems to be coming up more and more. Thanks all
Definitely don't give out your personal details - I don't know much about this area of law but I have a feeling that any instruction given by the court needs to be targeted at a named individual or business. You're under no obligation to provide your personal details as of yet, so don't do it.
I'm not too clued up on UK law, but it seems as if the member has the right to take the issue to court. As far as I can ascertain you will only need to provide them with the relevant information once you receive a court order (I assume that is why they need to have your address). I think your best option would be to go see an actual lawyer regarding this. Especially since the possibility exist that the member can also hold you, as the owner of the site, responsible (at least that's as far as I can gather regarding UK law, in US law it seems the forum owner is protected and can't be held liable). Some further reading: Defamation Libel and Slander cases
You would be issued with a subpoena summoning you to the court to provide details, but its most probably the court would NEVER issue you with this. Google '24 fox youtube' You may find that interesting in how fox were demanding youtube provide them with information.
This is the problem you see Kalyse - I'm sure UK courts can only issue a subpoena to a named individual or company - no name no subpoena. A point of law I think.
you are under no obligation to release your name or address of anyone else's ip address so in order to do that they will first have to subpoena you for the ips than you can fight that in court if you wanted to,.