Madras High Court: YouTubers Cannot Harm Businesses in the Name of Reviews
The Madras High Court has held that YouTubers cannot damage a business’s reputation under the guise of product reviews. Justice N. Senthilkumar issued this observation while directing YouTube LLC to block a video reviewing a water energiser product, after the manufacturer claimed the content was defamatory and harmed its business interests.
The Court noted that while creators have the right to express opinions, such reviews must not cross the line into misrepresentation, unverified claims, or malicious criticism. It emphasized that online platforms have a responsibility to act promptly when content negatively affects legitimate businesses without factual basis.
Justice Senthilkumar added that consumer awareness is important, but so is protecting enterprises from unfair or damaging digital commentary. The order highlights growing judicial scrutiny of social media influencers and digital reviewers, especially when commercial interests are involved.
Madras High Court: YouTubers Cannot Harm Businesses in the Name of Reviews
