Untrue things have been written about me online: what can I do?
First, document it: dated screenshots, URLs, ideally captured in a verifiable way. Then a formal letter is sent, which in most cases obtains removal. If that is not enough, civil proceedings for damages follow, and we consider a criminal complaint — which has a short deadline, three months from when you became aware of it.
What is the difference between criticism and defamation?
The truth of the facts. A negative judgment, even a harsh one, about true matters of public interest remains legitimate: that is the right of criticism. It becomes defamation when a false fact is asserted, or when the form crosses into gratuitous insult. Almost every case of this kind is decided on that distinction, and it is worth examining before starting.
Can someone publish a photo of me without asking?
As a rule no: publishing an image requires your consent. There are exceptions — well-known figures, public events, the administration of justice — but they are read narrowly and do not cover commercial use. Where a photo has been published without authority you can seek its removal and compensation.
What is de-indexing and when can I get it?
It is the removal of a page from search results linked to your name; the page stays online but stops appearing when someone searches for you. It is granted where the story is old and there is no longer a current public interest in it. For recent matters, or people holding public roles, it is considerably harder.
Intimate images of me have been shared without consent: what do I do?
Act immediately, do not wait. Non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit images is a criminal offence, and there are emergency tools to obtain rapid removal from platforms. Keep everything — messages, links, dates — and delete nothing from your phone: what feels embarrassing is often exactly the evidence needed.
What is support administration?
It is the measure by which a court appoints someone to assist a person who can no longer look after their own interests. It is the lightest of the protective measures: it is tailored to concrete needs — managing an account, signing a contract, healthcare decisions — and leaves intact whatever autonomy the person retains.
How long does appointing a support administrator take?
It depends on the court and the urgency. The supervising judge must hear the person concerned, and that is the step which sets the pace. In urgent cases a temporary administrator can be appointed very quickly, pending the final decision.
Can I choose in advance who will assist me if one day I can't?
Yes, and it is a possibility almost nobody uses. While you are fully capable you can nominate your support administrator in advance, by public deed or authenticated private document. That way, if the day comes, the choice was yours and not that of a judge who does not know you.