Companies and corporate bodies can be defamed, just like individuals. One often hears and reads about individuals - whether prominent personalities or ordinary citizens - who bring an action for defamation because of perceived damage to reputation.

In 2005, actress Kate Hudson won a libel lawsuit against the British edition of The National Enquirer. The publication falsely printed that she had an eating disorder.

In 2011, Star magazine settled a libel lawsuit filed by actress Katie Holmes. The tabloid falsely reported that the actress had a drug addiction.

Question:

While most of us (including companies) are connected on various social media platforms today, if a person is found to be spreading false news about a company, such a statement would likely be considered defamatory if it were not true. Even if an individual posts information that is partially true and partially false, he or she can be found liable for defamation. What precautions should one take, before posting such information on social media?