Estonia, Internet, Law and Regulations, Technology

The Supreme Court did not change the decision made by the court of second instance, according to which AS Delfi, the company operating the Delfi internet portal, will have to compensate non-monetary damages of 5,000 kroons to Leedo due to violation of his personal rights.

The highest court instance in Estonia agreed with the position taken by the courts in lower instances that 20 comments published on the Delfi internet portal with the article of January 24, 2006 titled "SLK destroyed the planned ice road" are defamatory due to their vulgar character that demeans human dignity and due to the fact that they contained threats.

Operators of internet portals are obliged to prevent publishing clearly unlawful comments, found the Supreme Court. In publishing such comments, operators of said portals are obliged to remove them from the portal as soon as possible.

Both the noted obligations and the obligation to pay damages are in essence limitations to the freedom of expression, but these limitations are justified with the need to defend individuals' honors and good name.