There are several steps bloggers can take in order to remain out of the courts. The most obvious precaution one should take to avoid being charged with making defamatory statements by simply telling the truth. Stefanac explained another precaution in “Dispatches from Blogistan” that I had never heard of before: insurance for bloggers.
“If you’re really worried about defamation lawsuits, there are liability insurance policies available, but many bloggers will find annual premiums averaging $3000 for a $1 million policy with a $5000 deductible to be a steep price,” Stefanac explained.
So is insurance necessary for bloggers? I decided that if I want to continue blogging after this class is finished, I should look further into the matter, so my quest for blogging insurance began.
The first step I took was to head to Google and search for “insurance for bloggers.” The usual insurance sites, including Geico and Farmers Insurance were at the top of the search, these sites offered no information concerning my actual search topic. The rest of my search hits were also very off topic, mostly they focused on blogs about insurance.
Fortunately, I came upon a fellow bloggers site that directed my research to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). The purpose of the EFF is to defend your rights, as an internet blogger or journalistic, in they cyber world.
The EFF provided extensive information on blogger’s rights and a very usefully legal guide for bloggers. Concerning insurance, the EFF stated that many insurance companies are now offering media liability insurance policies designed to cover online libel claims; however, the costs may be steep, the insurer may conduct a review of the publisher, set standards and qualifications to be followed.
The EFF also explained that some homeowner’s insurance policies, and possibly some renter’s or umbrella insurance policies, may cover libel lawsuits; however, they usually exclude punitive damages and liability related to business pursuits.
In concluding my research I found that yes, insurance is available for bloggers if you think it is necessary. In my current situation, I do not see insurance as a necessity. I feel there are too many “howevers” associated with the policies, and the steep prices are obviously way out of my price range. Therefore I think the best way to protect myself as a blogger is to simply tell the truth.
As employees begin blogging, both professionally and personally, how will companies ensure their employees and the company do not end up in court? Will regulations within the company be the answer, or is this a more complicated situation?
How has lawsuits against bloggers impacted the blogosphere? Are less people willing to speak their mind, or has little change been noticed?
