How to deal with inaccurate online reporting
Public information about you online can have a significant impact on your reputation. Finding yourself in the public eye can bring both benefits and challenges. If information published about you is inaccurate, out of date, misleading or unfairly excessive, there are steps you can take to request corrections and reduce its impact.
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Approaches to dealing with inaccurate online reporting
Contact the author - The first step is often to contact the author or journalist who wrote the content. Clearly and factually explain:
What information you believe is incorrect or misleading.
Why it is inaccurate.
What correction or update you are requesting.
Reputable publishers will often investigate factual errors and may issue corrections or update articles where appropriate.
Contact the news outlet or publisher - If you do not receive a response from the author, contact the publisher or news organisation directly.
Clearly explain:
The information you believe is inaccurate or unfair.
The evidence supporting your request.
The outcome you are seeking (for example, a correction, clarification or update).
Many publishers have formal complaints or corrections processes.
Seek legal advice before publication - If material has not yet been published and you believe publication may be unlawful or seriously harmful, seek independent legal advice as soon as possible.
A legal professional can advise whether any legal remedies may be available under South African law to prevent or challenge publication.
Request correction, deletion or reduced visibility - If the information contains inaccurate, out-of-date, excessive or unlawfully processed personal information, you may be able to request that it be corrected or removed.
Under South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), individuals have the right to request the correction or deletion of certain personal information in appropriate circumstances.
You may also be able to request that search engines reduce the visibility of certain search results in limited circumstances. This does not necessarily remove the original content from the publisher's website.
Share your perspective -If inaccurate reporting has already been published, you may wish to present your own perspective.
Options may include:
Providing a response or statement to the publisher.
Speaking with other journalists where appropriate.
Publishing accurate information through your own website or social media channels.
Maintaining professional and up-to-date public profiles that reflect how you wish to be represented online.
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