ICQ

[RossMiles]

Hi everyone,

I'm having a few problems with someone else on ICQ. I personally DO NOT use ICQ, however someone who knows me has set up an account in my name and using my details. One of my friends that does use ICQ pointed this out to me. The remarks contained in this users profile are defamatory and probably breack quite a few copyrights. However the <EXTREME RESTRAINT EXERCISED HERE> people at ICQ have said that they aren't responsible for what this person posts. However I can't prosecute this person because no-one knows who it is. One thing's for sure when I find this person I'll <MORE OF THAT RESTRAINT> with a blunt knife.

If anyone has any ideas of what I should try please let me know. I was thinking of saying that this person is under 13. That would get the account removed. Anyway and ideas would be appreciated. (However violent they may appear) :) Cheers all.

Ross
[email protected]

[R O Tiree]

Not at all sure of the legalities here, but I would definitely take a print-out of all that this "person" is saying about you. I'm almost certain that publication of defamatory material on the 'net is tantamount to libel or, if not, slander. By taking a print-out, preferably with a witness present, you have proof in hard copy. See a solicitor on one of those "£5 for half an hour" deals and see where you stand.

Of course ICQ are going to tell you that there is nothing they can do. A friend of mine went to a chat room (big mistake) and a "lurker" copied down his e-mail address during a conversation with a third party. The next morning, my mate's son, all of 5 years old and very proud of the fact that he could get Daddy's e-mails, was horrified to see some of the most disgusting filth appearing on screen. The lurker had logged in to one of those "porn in your e-mail" sites and given them my mate's address. The ISP said there was nothing they could do about it. Needless to say, my friend cancelled his subscription to that ISP PDQ.

This, though, is a whole different ball-game. This is not just a prank, but could be argued to be doing you harm, therefore you may have a case, and one that ICQ will have to acknowledge and do something about it. A letter from a solicitor might do the trick, as they would not want the adverse publicity.

Cost will be a huge factor if it goes to court, though, and it may just be wiser to ignore the whole thing. This sicko is only getting his jollies out of this because he knows you are upset by it. If you don't care to respond and can avoid getting riled by it, and that includes talking about it to anyone (if you talk about it, you are, by definition, dwelling on it) he might give up. Who hates you enough to do this? It must be someone who knows you quite well if they know enough to generate an ICQ account in your name. Answer that question, and you may be halfway there.

[This message has been edited by R O Tiree (edited 02 November 2000).]

[InFinRetirement]

The moral of this story? Keep well away from ICQ's, you are easy meet for cranks and kids - and the unscrupulous.

[mriya225]

I would do a search for articles or information at ZDNet or CNet. I'm sure this kind of thing happens quite a bit, maybe they'll have done a write up or two on it.
It seems like there must be a way for you to get the IP address of the user and track them back that way.
What's gotten into people anymore?!

[RossMiles]

Hi all,

Thanks for all your comments. The world certainly is becoming a worse place. I'll see where I stand legally but I certainly don't think it's right that ICQ can deny liability for information stored on their servers. Anyway cheers all.

Ross
[email protected]