Tech Talk
By

Chenda Ngak /

CBS News/ June 8, 2012, 5:37 PM

Facebook ordered to reveal identities of cyberbullies

file,AP Photo
(CBS News) Facebook has been ordered by a U.K. court to reveal the names, emails addresses and IP addresses of cyberbullies.

The case involves Nicola Brookes, a Brighton, U.K. woman who was the victim of "vicious and depraved" abuse on Facebook, the Guardian reports.

Brookes was reportedly targeted by cyberbullies on Facebook after she posted a "comment in support of the former The X Factor contestant Frankie Cocozza."

Using fake Facebook accounts, the alleged cyberbullies falsely called Brookes a pedophile and drug dealer. Brookes plans to take action by filing a lawsuit against four of the cyberbullies.

The court order was given on May 30. Once received, it's been reported that Facebook will cooperate with authorities.

"I want them exposed. They exposed me and they invaded my life," Brookes told the Guardian. "I didn't ask for it. They wanted a reaction from me and now they have got it."

Facebook responded to the case with the following statement:

"There is no place for harassment on Facebook, but unfortunately a small minority of malicious individuals exist online, just as they do offline. We respect our legal obligations and work with law enforcement to ensure that such people are brought to justice."

Brookes' case is believed to be the first in which Facebook has been successfully ordered to reveal the identities of cyberbullies.

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
4 Comments Add a Comment
linkicon reporticon emailicon
Bojax39 says:
"They exposed me and they invaded my life," Brookes told the Guardian. "I didn't ask for it. They wanted a reaction from me and now they have got it."

Good for you! Best of luck!
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
fiddlestickawshucks says:
This should be the case in all instances of cyberbullying EVERYWHERE.!!
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
wardove says:
you have watch what you say anymore ppl. are so sue happy
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
audemus says:
I applaud the action, and would like to see more of it.
reply