Online harassment — solicitor-led, proportionate protection
Abuse online needs calm handling and a clear legal route. We advise founders, creatives and executives on protecting safety and reputation, engaging platforms effectively, and preparing legal remedies only where necessary.
- Focused assessment of behaviour, risk and jurisdiction
- Evidence preservation and platform escalations grounded in UK/EU law
- Quiet but ready escalation — disclosure and injunctive relief if required
SRA-regulated • instructed across the UK/EU • quoted in The Times
The Benefits of Choosing Us
Welcome to PAIL Solicitors. Our clients invest not only in technical legal knowledge but in practical experience and proactive judgement — enabling us to deliver clarity, confidence, and lasting results.
We provide discreet, senior advice in cases of online harassment and coordinated abuse. Our focus is proportionate intervention: documenting the conduct, engaging platforms to enforce their policies, and preparing court options quietly in reserve.
- Clear assessment of conduct, thresholds and jurisdiction
- Coordinated takedown notices to platforms, hosts and search providers
- Protection measures and, where necessary, legal routes to restrain further harm
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Criminal Online Harassment
Online harassment involves conduct intended to cause distress to another individual. This can include cases of online defamation, copyright infringement, and breaches of privacy, where the behaviour may not necessarily be distressing but can lead to significant financial hardship or emotional suffering. Such behaviour is characterised by a credible threat or troubling aspect. Offenders found guilty under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (the Act) may face imprisonment for up to six months and potentially a restraining order under Section 5, which, if breached, can lead to five years in jail. Additionally, cyberstalking can result in prosecution under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act 2003.
Stalking
Stalking is an aggravated form of online harassment, wherein the stalker persistently shadows the victim. This can manifest in the physical world, such as following the victim or making repeated phone calls, or in cyberspace through the continuous posting of derogatory remarks, the unauthorised use of images, or disparaging videos. Stalkers often monitor the victim's online presence and contribute to harmful discussions whenever they find relevant information, regardless of its nature. It's important to note that while companies can be stalkers, they cannot be victims of harassment.
The Liability Test
Under the (s2 the Act), the liability test is objective. A defendant may be deemed to have known that their conduct amounted to harassment if a reasonable person possessing the same information would view it as such (S1(2)the Act). A course of conduct must consist of more than a single act. Given that many who engage in online harassment may struggle with mental health issues, an objective test is appropriate, as these individuals often do not recognise their behaviour as harassment.
Civil Online Harassment
Victims of online harassment have the right to sue for damages (covering pain, suffering, and financial loss) and may seek a restraining order, costs, and interest under (S3 the Act. The liability test used in civil cases mirrors that of criminal harassment but operates on a "balance of probabilities," placing a lower burden of proof on the victim,
Online harassment involves conduct intended to cause distress to another individual. This can include online defamation, copyright infringement, and privacy breaches, where the behaviour may not necessarily be distressing but can lead to significant financial hardship or emotional suffering. Such behaviour is characterised by a credible threat or troubling aspect. Offenders found guilty under (S2) may face imprisonment for up to six months and potentially a restraining order under Section 5, which, if breached, can lead to five years in jail. Additionally, cyberstalking can result in prosecution under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act 2003.
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We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to address all aspects of online harassment.
Our services include:
- Legal Consultation: We provide initial consultations to discuss your situation and inform you of your rights and options.
- Case Assessment: Our team conducts thorough investigations into the specifics of your case, assessing the nature and extent of the harassment.
- Legal Representation: We represent you in both criminal and civil proceedings, advocating for protection orders, damages, and other legal remedies.
- Evidence Gathering: We are skilled at collecting and preserving digital evidence, which is critical in these cases.
- Support for Related Claims: If applicable, we assist with claims for defamation, breaches of privacy, and copyright infringement, ensuring a holistic approach to your case.
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Choosing us for your online harassment cases is vital for several reasons. Firstly, online harassment law is intricate and ever-evolving, making it essential to work with someone well-versed in the latest legal frameworks and precedents. Our firm’s decades of focused experience in this niche means we bring a depth of knowledge that general practitioners may lack. Additionally, a specialised lawyer is equipped to handle the sensitive nature of these cases, offering a compassionate approach that recognises the emotional toll of harassment. An experienced online harassment lawyer possesses the skills to effectively gather evidence, navigate complex online platforms, and advocate for their clients’ rights with authority. By choosing us, you are ensuring that your case is handled by someone who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to achieving the best possible outcome.
Need a discreet next step?
We’ll review your position and outline proportionate options—platform engagement first, legal routes only where necessary. Your message below will be read by a solicitor.
Helpful to send with your message
- 1–3 URLs or handles where the conduct appears
- Screenshots with visible dates/usernames (and any platform report IDs)
- Brief timeline (what, when, any prior reports or responses)
- Your objective (removal, restraint, account identification, police liaison)
Start Fighting Back Now!
A common misconception is that online deviant behaviour is localised, but the reality is starkly different. The Internet has allowed anyone, not just celebrities, to gain widespread visibility. Anyone with a significant online presence—be it a popular blogger or social media influencer—can become a target of harassment from anyone around the globe, leading to instantaneous global impact. If you are a victim of online harassment or need legal guidance concerning internet content takedown, our specialised online harassment lawyer is here to help. Contact us to book a face-to-face consultation. Please note that our charge rates may vary. Learn more about online harassment from our blog articles.
For a quotation, please contact us at (020) 7305-7491 or peter@pailsolicitors.co.uk. We would be delighted to assist you. Mr Peter Adediran is the owner and principal solicitor at PAIL® Solicitors. Subscribe to our newsletter to get blog post updates on defamation and other up-to-date information on the latest developments in our practice areas straight to your inbox.
Meet The Team: Peter Adediran; Maya El Husseini; Gabrielle Felix; Poppy Harston
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Client Success Stories
All reviews are independently verified on Google Business Profile.
Excellent service provided from Peter Adediran (PAIL Solicitors) very honest, professional and strategic. We are primarily based in the US in property, mining and investments and Peter does an amazing job for us in advising on dispute resolution, global blockchain sanction compliance, business and asset acquisitions and IP protection. What is most impressive about Peter is his breadth of knowledge across several different industries and how he always thinks in terms of strategy which also impacts our bottom line in terms of monetisation. Always excellent communication via email, phone and text at any time, any day, and weekends, I always receive a quick response. I would highly recommend.
I had a very positive experience with Peter. He is very knowledgeable, responsive, and was able to complete the complex work needed to a very tight deadline! I will definitely come back to him in the future should I need any further legal support or advice.
We rely on Mr Peter Adediran of PAIL Solicitors to protect our online business reputation including for intellectual property legal advice and all business matters regarding the Internet. We continue to be thoroughly impressed not just by his legal knowledge and expertise in his practice areas but also by his dedication to providing impeccable service. His expertise is broad including intellectual property as well as all aspects of media and communication which suit our business needs. He is attentive and knowledgeable and always seeks to ensure our satisfaction. We can’t recommend PAIL Solicitors enough for a satisfactory experience for commercial legal services.
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All reviews are independently verified on Google Business Profile .