The situation: A user angry at a shop posts messages falsely accusing the owner of swindling and fraud, widely shared, damaging the shop's reputation and collapsing its sales.
Applicable law: The Civil Code protects the 'right to reputation'; spreading false facts or insults that harm others requires stopping the infringement, a public apology and compensation. If the defamation or slander is grave (wide spread, serious harm) it may constitute the crime of defamation. Honest criticism based on true facts is legitimate; fabricating lies is not.
Outcome: The poster was ordered to delete the posts, publish an apology and compensate the shop for its losses.
🚔 Fights, theft, forgery · Awareness case
Online Defamation Is Not 'Free Speech' · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 刑法 / 民法典（名誉权）(Criminal Law / Civil Code — Reputation)
Does 'just an online opinion' save you from defamation liability?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: Criticism grounded in truth is a right, but defamatory lies carry civil and even criminal liability. Complain with facts, not fabrication.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026