Cyber defamation fallout: toronto man faces 4.7m damages

On June 27, Tanvir Farid, a Toronto resident, found himself ordered to pay $4.7 million in damages to 53 plaintiffs in a case marking Canada’s largest defamation award. The ruling resulted from a relentless campaign of cyber harassment, cyber stalking, and cyber defamation orchestrated by Farid against the plaintiffs. The monetary compensations, ranging from $50,000 to $110,000 per plaintiff, aimed to redress the harm inflicted on their reputations and mental well-being.

The plaintiffs, who resided in Canada, the United States, and Ireland, were executives and recruiters in the information technology industry. Farid’s connection to them stemmed from unsuccessful job applications, which prompted him to engage in a campaign to damage their reputations. He posted defamatory content portraying them as sexual predators, fraudsters, and criminals on various websites.

The identification of Farid was facilitated by a forensic private investigation firm, which linked his electronic devices to the defamatory posts. A court-ordered search and seizure warrant provided physical evidence linking him to the slander.

This case underscores the inherent challenges in identifying anonymous online defamers and the significance of establishing accountability. The court’s decision highlighted the importance of punitive damages as a deterrent against such injurious online behavior. Furthermore, a permanent injunction was issued, prohibiting Farid from publishing additional defamatory content about the plaintiffs and mandating the removal of existing defamatory material from the internet.

see Clancy v. Farid, 2022 ONSC 947 (CanLII) for decision on liability and Clancy v Farid, 2023 ONSC 2750 (CanLII) for ruling on damages

The information provided in these blogs are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice or a substitute for professional legal counsel. If you are experiencing cyber defamation or online harassment, it is highly advisable to seek advice from a lawyer in your jurisdiction. Any reliance on the information in this post is at your own risk. The author, as a lawyer, is not responsible for any actions or decisions taken based on the information provided.