Social Media Abuse on Business
April 2024 Edition
Social media platforms can be valuable tools for enhancing brand visibility, engaging with customers, and driving growth in the contemporary business landscape. However, it is important to note that misuse of social media can have significant legal implications for companies. Businesses must navigate a complex legal landscape in the digital realm, which includes issues such as defamation, harassment, intellectual property infringement, and cybersecurity breaches.
Defamation is a major legal concern for businesses dealing with social media abuse in Australia. According to Australian law, defamation occurs when a statement is published that harms the reputation of an individual or entity, leading to financial or personal damage. Defamatory content can spread rapidly on social media platforms, causing irreparable harm to a business's reputation. In response, businesses may take legal action for defamation under the Defamation Act 2005 (Cth) or equivalent state legislation, seeking damages and injunctive relief to mitigate the harm caused.
Additionally, businesses must address the legal implications of cyberbullying and harassment carried out through social media channels. Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to intimidate, threaten, or harass individuals, including employees, customers, and stakeholders of businesses. In Australia, cyberbullying is regulated by various laws, including the Enhancing Online Safety (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2018 (Cth) and state-based legislation. Businesses may seek legal remedies, such as apprehended violence orders (AVOs), injunctions, or civil litigation, to protect individuals from cyberbullying and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Intellectual property infringement is also significant legal challenge for businesses dealing with social media abuse. Unauthorised use or misappropriation of trademarks, copyrighted material, or trade secrets on social media platforms can jeopardise a business's intellectual property rights and competitive advantage. To address instances of infringement, businesses can seek legal recourse under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), or the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth). Legal remedies may include injunctions, damages, and the removal of infringing content.
Moreover, cybersecurity threats on social media platforms pose significant legal and regulatory risks for Australian businesses. Social media channels can be exploited by cybercriminals to initiate phishing attacks, distribute malware, or commit identity theft, thereby compromising the security and privacy of businesses and their customers. To mitigate cybersecurity risks, businesses must comply with data protection regulations such as the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme. Furthermore, it is recommended that businesses implement strong cybersecurity measures, regularly conduct risk assessments, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to effectively address cyber threats.
One notable case of social media abuse in the Australian corporate sphere over the past decade involved Telstra, the country's largest telecommunications company, during a nationwide network outage in 2016. The outage, which disrupted mobile and broadband services for millions of customers, sparked a torrent of complaints and frustration on social media platforms, where users voiced their discontent with Telstra's handling of the situation. Customers took to Twitter, Facebook, and other online forums to express their anger, with many sharing stories of being unable to make calls, access the internet, or conduct business transactions due to the outage. Telstra found itself inundated with negative comments, memes, and viral posts criticising its response to the crisis, prompting the company to scramble to contain the fallout and restore its reputation.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the power of social media to amplify consumer discontent and the importance of swift, transparent communication in managing crises effectively. In the aftermath of the outage, Telstra implemented measures to improve network reliability and customer service, but the unfortunate episode left a lasting impact on the company's reputation and underscored the need for businesses to prioritise customer satisfaction and resilience in the face of social media.
In conclusion, as the digital landscape evolves, Australian businesses must stay vigilant against legal issues stemming from social media misuse. Consulting CJM Lawyers, professionals in corporate law and commercial litigation, is crucial. Our team offers tailored advice, legal representation, and strategic direction to address risks effectively, including defamation and cybersecurity threats. Prioritising legal protection ensures businesses safeguard their reputation and assets. Contact us today for trusted support in navigating social media challenges.
Disclaimer: This article is for general understanding and should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice. Any reliance on the information is strictly at the user's risk, and there is no intention to create a lawyer-client relationship from this general communication.
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Our Latest Story
By Nik Vinsek
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26 May 2026
So you have a debtor owing funds that have remained outstanding for months, and they have now gone completely silent. Engaging CJM Lawyers may be the next step in the right direction towards recovering your funds. Step 1: Final Demand Engaging a solicitor to issue a final letter of demand can sometimes be the first and last step in debt recovery. A solicitor will review the dispute, assess the strength of your claim, and issue a formal demand on your behalf through multiple channels, placing the debtor on clear notice of the seriousness of the matter. At this stage, most debtors will either pay the outstanding amount or re-engage in communication. When a debtor remains unresponsive, this can be frustrating; however, it is often simply the beginning of a structured recovery process. Step 2: Commence Proceedings Depending on the amount of the debt, commencing legal proceedings may be the next appropriate step where a debtor becomes unresponsive. We will help you assess the commercial viability of commencing proceedings based on a variety of factors including: debt amount; debtor responsiveness; the debtor’s assets and location; and timeframe for recovery. To commence proceedings, your solicitor will prepare a Claim and Statement of Claim and file these documents in the relevant Court. The complexity of the matter, as well as the supporting evidence available, will influence the framing of the claim, ranging from straightforward breaches of contract to more complex causes of action. The costs of commencing proceedings should always be considered and discussed with your solicitor to ensure the recovery action remains commercially viable. Once filed, the documents must be served on the debtor: for a company, service is typically affected by posting to its registered office; for an individual, a process server is engaged to affect personal service. Step 3: Default Judgment Once served, the debtor has 28 days in the Queensland courts to file and serve a Notice of Intention to Defend. In cases involving a silent debtor, no response is often received. After the 28-day period expires, your solicitor can apply for default judgment without the need for a court hearing. Once judgment is entered, you have six years to enforce the judgment debt. Step 4: Enforcement There are various avenues available to enforce judgment debt. If the debtor’s financial position is unknown, a Statement of Financial Position may be served, requiring them to disclose relevant financial information and documentation to assist in determining the most appropriate enforcement pathway. If they fail to comply, an enforcement hearing may be listed, at which the debtor’s attendance is compulsory. Failure to attend can result in serious consequences, including a warrant for arrest to attend the hearing. Where the debtor’s financial position is known, enforcement may proceed through several mechanisms, including bankruptcy proceedings, warrants for seizure and sale of property, redirection of debts, or garnishee orders against earnings or bank accounts. Your solicitor will assist in determining the most effective enforcement strategy based on the circumstances. Conclusion If your debtor has gone silent, it is not the end of the road for recovery. Seeking legal advice can help you assess the most appropriate recovery pathway, weighing up cost, risk, and commercial viability. It is always important to remember that litigation is inherently volatile and engaging a solicitor will help you assess the costs and benefits of this recovery route. Speak to our Litigation and Disputes Team at CJM Lawyers today, and we will work with you to determine the most effective course of action to recover your funds.
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26 May 2026
If you have a Will that includes a testamentary trust (or if you've been thinking about adding one) you may have seen some concerning headlines following the recent Federal Budget. Here's what you actually need to know. Do You Have Anything To Worry About Right Now? The Government has announced a policy intention, not a law. No legislation has been drafted, and what's finally passed by Parliament may look quite different to what's been announced. Should You Hold Off Setting Up A Testamentary Trust? If you already have a will with a testamentary trust, you're in a good position. No action needed right now. If you've been meaning to update your will or add a testamentary trust, this is a good prompt to get it done. Come and speak with us so we can structure it in the most effective way given the current landscape. If you're looking to set up a new discretionary testamentary trust, contact us before proceeding. We can make sure you're across your options and structured appropriately. Should You Come In For A Review Right Now? Not urgently - but if your will is overdue for a review anyway, now is a sensible time. We can make sure your documents are in good shape and flag anything worth keeping an eye on. What Should You Do In The Meantime? No action is required at this stage. We are closely monitoring the legislative process and will issue updates as things develop. In the meantime, we'd also encourage you to have a conversation with your accountant or financial adviser, as these changes touch on both legal and tax planning, and a combined approach will serve you best. If It Does Pass – What Does It Mean? A minimum 30% tax would apply to income distributed from new discretionary testamentary trusts established after the legislation takes effect (May 12, 2026). Fixed testamentary trusts are excluded from the proposed changes. If and when legislation is passed, we'll be in touch to walk you through what it means for your specific situation and what your options are. Why Might It Not Pass Its Current Form? Because right now it's a proposal, not a law. The legislation still needs to be drafted, introduced to Parliament, debated, and go through a consultation process where industry and the public can have their say. This process commonly results in significant amendments, and sometimes measures don't proceed at all. We'll keep you informed every step of the way. Have questions in the meantime? We're happy to help. Call us on 1300 245 299 or reply directly to this email. This communication is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Your personal circumstances will determine how any changes may affect you, and we recommend seeking advice from both your solicitor and a registered tax agent before taking any action.
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15 April 2026
Thinking of employing a skilled worker, or working for someone with your skills, but do not currently hold a visa to work in Australia? An Employer-Sponsored Visa may help resolve this dilemma. The Employer-Sponsored Visa program allows Australian employers to nominate overseas workers for positions that cannot easily be filled by local employees. For many migrants, an employer-sponsored visa provides a pathway to long-term employment and, in some cases, permanent residency. However, navigating the requirements, obligations, and eligibility criteria of these visas can be complex for both employers and applicants. We are able to help you through the whole journey from sponsorship to visa application. The Employer-Sponsored Visa program includes three main visa subclasses: subclass 482, subclass 494, and subclass 186. Each visa subclass has different requirements in relation to the nominated occupation, employment location, the applicant’s work experience and English skills. Given the frequent updates to policies and requirements, navigating this visa pathway can become complex and overwhelming. If you are considering whether any of the visa subclasses are suitable for your circumstances, now is the time to seek the right guidance. Our experienced solicitors in our Immigration team are ready to assist you at every stage, from initial eligibility assessment through to application and compliance, ensuring a smooth, efficient process while minimising risk and stress. Book an initial consultation with Coco Zu to discuss your situation, explore your options, and settle on a strategic plan tailored to your needs. With the right legal support and guidance from the start, CJM Lawyers can make all the difference to your future in Australia. Contact our office on 1300 245 299 or email info@cjmlaw.com.au to get started now!
Our Latest Story
By Nik Vinsek
•
26 May 2026
So you have a debtor owing funds that have remained outstanding for months, and they have now gone completely silent. Engaging CJM Lawyers may be the next step in the right direction towards recovering your funds. Step 1: Final Demand Engaging a solicitor to issue a final letter of demand can sometimes be the first and last step in debt recovery. A solicitor will review the dispute, assess the strength of your claim, and issue a formal demand on your behalf through multiple channels, placing the debtor on clear notice of the seriousness of the matter. At this stage, most debtors will either pay the outstanding amount or re-engage in communication. When a debtor remains unresponsive, this can be frustrating; however, it is often simply the beginning of a structured recovery process. Step 2: Commence Proceedings Depending on the amount of the debt, commencing legal proceedings may be the next appropriate step where a debtor becomes unresponsive. We will help you assess the commercial viability of commencing proceedings based on a variety of factors including: debt amount; debtor responsiveness; the debtor’s assets and location; and timeframe for recovery. To commence proceedings, your solicitor will prepare a Claim and Statement of Claim and file these documents in the relevant Court. The complexity of the matter, as well as the supporting evidence available, will influence the framing of the claim, ranging from straightforward breaches of contract to more complex causes of action. The costs of commencing proceedings should always be considered and discussed with your solicitor to ensure the recovery action remains commercially viable. Once filed, the documents must be served on the debtor: for a company, service is typically affected by posting to its registered office; for an individual, a process server is engaged to affect personal service. Step 3: Default Judgment Once served, the debtor has 28 days in the Queensland courts to file and serve a Notice of Intention to Defend. In cases involving a silent debtor, no response is often received. After the 28-day period expires, your solicitor can apply for default judgment without the need for a court hearing. Once judgment is entered, you have six years to enforce the judgment debt. Step 4: Enforcement There are various avenues available to enforce judgment debt. If the debtor’s financial position is unknown, a Statement of Financial Position may be served, requiring them to disclose relevant financial information and documentation to assist in determining the most appropriate enforcement pathway. If they fail to comply, an enforcement hearing may be listed, at which the debtor’s attendance is compulsory. Failure to attend can result in serious consequences, including a warrant for arrest to attend the hearing. Where the debtor’s financial position is known, enforcement may proceed through several mechanisms, including bankruptcy proceedings, warrants for seizure and sale of property, redirection of debts, or garnishee orders against earnings or bank accounts. Your solicitor will assist in determining the most effective enforcement strategy based on the circumstances. Conclusion If your debtor has gone silent, it is not the end of the road for recovery. Seeking legal advice can help you assess the most appropriate recovery pathway, weighing up cost, risk, and commercial viability. It is always important to remember that litigation is inherently volatile and engaging a solicitor will help you assess the costs and benefits of this recovery route. Speak to our Litigation and Disputes Team at CJM Lawyers today, and we will work with you to determine the most effective course of action to recover your funds.
By May 2026 Edition
•
26 May 2026
If you have a Will that includes a testamentary trust (or if you've been thinking about adding one) you may have seen some concerning headlines following the recent Federal Budget. Here's what you actually need to know. Do You Have Anything To Worry About Right Now? The Government has announced a policy intention, not a law. No legislation has been drafted, and what's finally passed by Parliament may look quite different to what's been announced. Should You Hold Off Setting Up A Testamentary Trust? If you already have a will with a testamentary trust, you're in a good position. No action needed right now. If you've been meaning to update your will or add a testamentary trust, this is a good prompt to get it done. Come and speak with us so we can structure it in the most effective way given the current landscape. If you're looking to set up a new discretionary testamentary trust, contact us before proceeding. We can make sure you're across your options and structured appropriately. Should You Come In For A Review Right Now? Not urgently - but if your will is overdue for a review anyway, now is a sensible time. We can make sure your documents are in good shape and flag anything worth keeping an eye on. What Should You Do In The Meantime? No action is required at this stage. We are closely monitoring the legislative process and will issue updates as things develop. In the meantime, we'd also encourage you to have a conversation with your accountant or financial adviser, as these changes touch on both legal and tax planning, and a combined approach will serve you best. If It Does Pass – What Does It Mean? A minimum 30% tax would apply to income distributed from new discretionary testamentary trusts established after the legislation takes effect (May 12, 2026). Fixed testamentary trusts are excluded from the proposed changes. If and when legislation is passed, we'll be in touch to walk you through what it means for your specific situation and what your options are. Why Might It Not Pass Its Current Form? Because right now it's a proposal, not a law. The legislation still needs to be drafted, introduced to Parliament, debated, and go through a consultation process where industry and the public can have their say. This process commonly results in significant amendments, and sometimes measures don't proceed at all. We'll keep you informed every step of the way. Have questions in the meantime? We're happy to help. Call us on 1300 245 299 or reply directly to this email. This communication is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Your personal circumstances will determine how any changes may affect you, and we recommend seeking advice from both your solicitor and a registered tax agent before taking any action.
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•
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Our Latest Story
By Nik Vinsek
•
26 May 2026
So you have a debtor owing funds that have remained outstanding for months, and they have now gone completely silent. Engaging CJM Lawyers may be the next step in the right direction towards recovering your funds. Step 1: Final Demand Engaging a solicitor to issue a final letter of demand can sometimes be the first and last step in debt recovery. A solicitor will review the dispute, assess the strength of your claim, and issue a formal demand on your behalf through multiple channels, placing the debtor on clear notice of the seriousness of the matter. At this stage, most debtors will either pay the outstanding amount or re-engage in communication. When a debtor remains unresponsive, this can be frustrating; however, it is often simply the beginning of a structured recovery process. Step 2: Commence Proceedings Depending on the amount of the debt, commencing legal proceedings may be the next appropriate step where a debtor becomes unresponsive. We will help you assess the commercial viability of commencing proceedings based on a variety of factors including: debt amount; debtor responsiveness; the debtor’s assets and location; and timeframe for recovery. To commence proceedings, your solicitor will prepare a Claim and Statement of Claim and file these documents in the relevant Court. The complexity of the matter, as well as the supporting evidence available, will influence the framing of the claim, ranging from straightforward breaches of contract to more complex causes of action. The costs of commencing proceedings should always be considered and discussed with your solicitor to ensure the recovery action remains commercially viable. Once filed, the documents must be served on the debtor: for a company, service is typically affected by posting to its registered office; for an individual, a process server is engaged to affect personal service. Step 3: Default Judgment Once served, the debtor has 28 days in the Queensland courts to file and serve a Notice of Intention to Defend. In cases involving a silent debtor, no response is often received. After the 28-day period expires, your solicitor can apply for default judgment without the need for a court hearing. Once judgment is entered, you have six years to enforce the judgment debt. Step 4: Enforcement There are various avenues available to enforce judgment debt. If the debtor’s financial position is unknown, a Statement of Financial Position may be served, requiring them to disclose relevant financial information and documentation to assist in determining the most appropriate enforcement pathway. If they fail to comply, an enforcement hearing may be listed, at which the debtor’s attendance is compulsory. Failure to attend can result in serious consequences, including a warrant for arrest to attend the hearing. Where the debtor’s financial position is known, enforcement may proceed through several mechanisms, including bankruptcy proceedings, warrants for seizure and sale of property, redirection of debts, or garnishee orders against earnings or bank accounts. Your solicitor will assist in determining the most effective enforcement strategy based on the circumstances. Conclusion If your debtor has gone silent, it is not the end of the road for recovery. Seeking legal advice can help you assess the most appropriate recovery pathway, weighing up cost, risk, and commercial viability. It is always important to remember that litigation is inherently volatile and engaging a solicitor will help you assess the costs and benefits of this recovery route. Speak to our Litigation and Disputes Team at CJM Lawyers today, and we will work with you to determine the most effective course of action to recover your funds.
By May 2026 Edition
•
26 May 2026
If you have a Will that includes a testamentary trust (or if you've been thinking about adding one) you may have seen some concerning headlines following the recent Federal Budget. Here's what you actually need to know. Do You Have Anything To Worry About Right Now? The Government has announced a policy intention, not a law. No legislation has been drafted, and what's finally passed by Parliament may look quite different to what's been announced. Should You Hold Off Setting Up A Testamentary Trust? If you already have a will with a testamentary trust, you're in a good position. No action needed right now. If you've been meaning to update your will or add a testamentary trust, this is a good prompt to get it done. Come and speak with us so we can structure it in the most effective way given the current landscape. If you're looking to set up a new discretionary testamentary trust, contact us before proceeding. We can make sure you're across your options and structured appropriately. Should You Come In For A Review Right Now? Not urgently - but if your will is overdue for a review anyway, now is a sensible time. We can make sure your documents are in good shape and flag anything worth keeping an eye on. What Should You Do In The Meantime? No action is required at this stage. We are closely monitoring the legislative process and will issue updates as things develop. In the meantime, we'd also encourage you to have a conversation with your accountant or financial adviser, as these changes touch on both legal and tax planning, and a combined approach will serve you best. If It Does Pass – What Does It Mean? A minimum 30% tax would apply to income distributed from new discretionary testamentary trusts established after the legislation takes effect (May 12, 2026). Fixed testamentary trusts are excluded from the proposed changes. If and when legislation is passed, we'll be in touch to walk you through what it means for your specific situation and what your options are. Why Might It Not Pass Its Current Form? Because right now it's a proposal, not a law. The legislation still needs to be drafted, introduced to Parliament, debated, and go through a consultation process where industry and the public can have their say. This process commonly results in significant amendments, and sometimes measures don't proceed at all. We'll keep you informed every step of the way. Have questions in the meantime? We're happy to help. Call us on 1300 245 299 or reply directly to this email. This communication is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Your personal circumstances will determine how any changes may affect you, and we recommend seeking advice from both your solicitor and a registered tax agent before taking any action.
By Coco Zu
•
15 April 2026
Thinking of employing a skilled worker, or working for someone with your skills, but do not currently hold a visa to work in Australia? An Employer-Sponsored Visa may help resolve this dilemma. The Employer-Sponsored Visa program allows Australian employers to nominate overseas workers for positions that cannot easily be filled by local employees. For many migrants, an employer-sponsored visa provides a pathway to long-term employment and, in some cases, permanent residency. However, navigating the requirements, obligations, and eligibility criteria of these visas can be complex for both employers and applicants. We are able to help you through the whole journey from sponsorship to visa application. The Employer-Sponsored Visa program includes three main visa subclasses: subclass 482, subclass 494, and subclass 186. Each visa subclass has different requirements in relation to the nominated occupation, employment location, the applicant’s work experience and English skills. Given the frequent updates to policies and requirements, navigating this visa pathway can become complex and overwhelming. If you are considering whether any of the visa subclasses are suitable for your circumstances, now is the time to seek the right guidance. Our experienced solicitors in our Immigration team are ready to assist you at every stage, from initial eligibility assessment through to application and compliance, ensuring a smooth, efficient process while minimising risk and stress. Book an initial consultation with Coco Zu to discuss your situation, explore your options, and settle on a strategic plan tailored to your needs. With the right legal support and guidance from the start, CJM Lawyers can make all the difference to your future in Australia. Contact our office on 1300 245 299 or email info@cjmlaw.com.au to get started now!
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