What to do if I posted comments about a business on an online forum and now it has sent my ISP a subpoena to try and find out who I am?
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What to do if I posted comments about a business on an online forum and now it has sent my ISP a subpoena to try and find out who I am?
On the online forum, they act extremely childish and extremely unprofessional; I do not think they have a case against me. As of now, I only have the subpoena. What should I do, I don’t want to hire a lawyer but will if it is necessary. Who all can file a subpoena?
Asked on May 23, 2014 under Business Law, Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
If the subpoena is a valid one, the ISP can try to fight it if they choose--there are often, but *not* always, grounds to oppose divulging such information--but they also may choose to provide the information. You most likely *cannot* fight or oppose the subpoena on their behalf--it is, from what you write, directed to them, not to you, and you are not a party to the subpoena.
Be aware that even if you feel that their behavior was "childish" and "extremenly unprofessional," that comments to that effect may, depending on what was said and the objective facts, be defamation and you may be liable for those comments. There is no intrinsic right to always post negative comments about persons or private businesses.
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