Defamation, Disinformation, and Digital Speech: Legal Approaches to Protecting and Promoting Reputation

Ryan Jacobson | Amundsen Davis LLC

For more than two decades, Amundsen Davis attorney Ryan Jacobson has built a reputation as a trusted resource for HR and PR professionals across the Midwest. He offers personalized, on‐the-spot crisis management and strategic advice to protect his clients’ reputations. In addition, he serves as outside General Counsel to the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois as well as the Magnificent Mile Association.

Ryan understands that no organization or member of its leadership team is immune to reputational challenges. Leading a team of seasoned litigators at Amundsen Davis, he has a proven track record in handling matters related to defamation, privacy, consumer fraud, and tortious interference. He is called upon when a traumatic event, accusation, or industry misstep threatens to undermine a client’s standing. Ryan is adept at fielding press inquiries and crafting internal and external statements to correct misinformation spread to employees, investors, clients, and consumers. When necessary, Ryan will seek court intervention to halt unethical or illegal actions against his clients.

Danessa Watkins | Amundsen Davis LLC

Through years of representing a diverse clientele, ranging from small business entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies, Danessa Watkins has built a record of professional success through her ability to add a personalized touch to her client advocacy. She is a key member of Amundsen Davis’s Entertainment & Media Service Group, where she defends the free speech rights and reputational interests of media clients, businesses, and individuals.

With rapid advancements in technology and global connectivity, Danessa understands the unique challenges that journalists and news outlets face in presenting accurate information and protecting their sources. She stays up-to date on the ever-evolving area of First Amendment law and defends the media against libel suits and intrusive subpoenas. Danessa also advises companies and individuals on navigating complex issues such as defamation, false light, and right to privacy as they promote and protect their products, services, and image. Her clients rely on her knowledge to help minimize risks in publications and advertising. When litigation arises, they appreciate her thorough evaluation and unwavering defense of their reputational interests.

Max Goodman | Amundsen Davis LLC

Max works tirelessly to unmask anonymous online bad actors, to overcome jurisdictional challenges inherent in social media defamation cases, and to hold those hiding behind their devices accountable.

Max’s approach to internet defamation issues often includes working with social media companies (including Reddit, Meta, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube) to remove content violative of their terms of use, issuing cease and desist letters to defamers to remove online content and deter future defamation/harassment, and initiating litigation seeking the removal of specific content as well as monetary damages. His creative and aggressive approach sets him apart in navigating the challenges of social media defamation.

Session I – Understanding Defamation and Coordinated Responses to Reputational Threats | 12:00pm – 1:00pm

• Legal Foundations of Defamation and Disinformation
  • Key elements, distinctions, and evolving standards
• Corporate vs. Individual Defamation
  • Differences in legal approaches for organizations vs. individuals
• Crisis Response and Damage Control
  • Legal and PR collaboration to mitigate reputational harm

Break | 1:00pm – 1:10pm

Session II – Social Media and Online Defamation | 1:10pm – 2:10pm

• Social Media Monitoring and Early Detection
  • Tools and techniques for identifying reputational threats
• Engaging with Platforms and Law Enforcement
  • Reporting mechanisms
  • Legal takedown processes
  • Escalation strategies
• Emerging Legal Trends and Future Risks
  • Deepfakes and AI-driven misinformation
  • Challenges with anonymous and AI-generated content
  • Regulatory developments
• Litigation and Pre-Litigation Strategies
  • Cease-and-desist letters
  • Contacting platforms
  • Defamation lawsuits
• Section 230 and Platform Liability
  • Protections afforded and means to hold platforms accountable

Break | 2:10pm – 2:20pm

Session III – Litigating Defamation Claims, Proactive Risk Management, and Policy Development | 2:20pm – 3:20pm

• Defamation Litigation
  • When to file a lawsuit, what to expect, and how to recover damages
  • How to defend against a lawsuit
• The Exponential Echoes of Defamation
  • How social media amplifies falsehoods
• Drafting Defamation & Reputation Protection Clauses
  • Key contractual provisions for vendors, employees, and partners