Now, take social media with a grain of salt. It’s a double-edged sword, capable of catapulting you into overnight stardom and just as swiftly dragging you into the abyss of notoriety.
As an influencer, you’ve likely encountered the unsavory phenomenon of group trolling or orchestrated attacks. Trolling doesn’t just tarnish your image; it also damages your self-confidence, peace of mind, and, inevitably, your revenues, be it a temporary setback or a lasting scar.
Numerous influencers have contemplated quitting the profession after such encounters, transforming their once-cherished dreams into a haunting nightmare.
The ugliness of trolling peaks when it’s targeted or instigated by rivals or groups with malicious intent, often paid for or sponsored by shadowy figures aiming for your downfall. In short, I’m here to share legal and non-legal resources you can leverage when hounded by fake or paid trolls.
However, before we dive in, a crucial tip: always ascertain there are no genuine concerns from your followers. In such cases, it’s better to listen to their concerns and resolve them. Genuine feedback is invaluable for improving your offerings and content.
So, worry about paid trolls but don’t be averse to negative feedback or constructive criticism.
Now, let’s explore your options:
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Non-Legal Options:-
Fight on the Same Level:
Confront the social media onslaught strategically. Instead of immediately resorting to legal actions, counter trolls with fact-based responses. Engage with your followers, instilling confidence and garnering support against fake trolls.
Reach Out to Others:
If the initial response isn’t enough, reach out to other influencers or media houses. Seek interviews or articles to explain your perspective. Media outlets’ broad reach is an effective countermeasure against negativity propagated by fake or paid trolls.
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Legal Options:-
Legal Notice:
Identify the people behind the trolling campaign and engage a lawyer team. A well-drafted “Cease and Resist” Legal Notice can bring an immediate ceasefire to troll activities. Some might retreat, while others may require further legal action.
FIR Filing:
For persistent trolls, escalate by filing an FIR under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act 2002 or Cr CPC. Expert legal guidance is crucial to navigate the nuances and effectively respond to false information and threats.
Defamation Suit:
If there’s proven loss of reputation and financial impact, consider filing a Defamation Suit. This legal move, with a hefty monetary penalty, acts as a deterrent for current trolls and future wrongdoers.
Dos and Don’ts for Public Figures:
Dos:
- Refer to your followers as a community in response to trolls.
- Maintain composure and avoid using abusive language or obsessive gestures.
- Continue creating content; silence is the best response to trolls.
Don’ts:
- Don’t engage in individual arguments with trolls.
- Don’t let trolls distract you from your work.
- Don’t call any troll, as recordings can be used against you.
In closing, remember: ‘When people complain of Sun-burn, the Sun can’t stop shining; people need to stop going out naked.’
For further inquiries, direct your questions to my team at tax@aktassociates.com.
About Author
CA Arun Tiwari is an expert professional who has worked with various big platforms and currently working with Influencer Desk as a Service Vertical of AKT Associates. Influencer Desk is a dedicated platform to handle Compliance and dispute resolution for influencers related to Legal, SEBI, ASCI compliance, Taxation, and tax litigation. They can be reached at 8080088288 or tax@aktassociates.com.
I examine the article on “Influencers’ Guide to Counter Fake Paid Trollers” on AKT Associates’ blog, and I have to say it is an worthwhile useful resource for all and sundry navigating the world of social media influence. The insights supplied on figuring out and dealing with faux paid trolls are now not solely realistic however additionally vital in state-of-the-art digital landscape. Well-written and informative – thank you for sharing this treasured guide!
I’m glad you found this article helpful.