RENFREWSHIRE residents are being urged to have their say on a review of defamation law.

A consultation has been launched by the Scottish Government in a bid to ensure the legislation meets the challenges posed by the growth in social media.

It follows a report by the Scottish Law Commission which made 49 recommendations to modernise and simplify the law on defamation, which is defined as the damaging of an individual’s reputation through false communication.

Views are being sought on various issues, including the three-year time limit of defamation claims, the threshold of ‘serious harm’ and action against unjustified legal threats of defamation.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “Defamation law potentially affects everyone in Renfrewshire and it is crucial that we ensure the law is fit for modern Scotland.

“The enormous growth in the use of social media presents new challenges and means that defamatory communication is becoming increasingly instant and common.

“Members of the public have an important part to play in reforming the law on defamation and ensuring it is fit for the future.”

Visit www2.gov.scot/Publications/2019/01/5274 to take part in the public consultation.