Mumsnet has been ordered to reveal the identities of two of its users who criticised a top cosmetic surgeon in comments made on the parenting website.
Dr Jesper Sorensen has been granted a High Court writ to pursue legal claims against two individuals, using the pseudonyms Skohl and Blackfairy7 online, according to the Sunday Times.
Their comments were made on two forum threads, including one titled “Cosmetic surgery with Jesper Sorensen” that has since been entirely deleted by web moderators.
Sorensen has said he will pay Mumsnet’s costs in identifying the pair and has promised “not to use the information disclosed save for the purposes of pursuing legal remedies”, the paper has reported.
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Under the order, granted earlier this month, Mumsnet must reveal the users’ real identities and provide copies of all communications sent over its private messaging system between Skohl, Blackfairy7 and other users that it reasonably believes refer to Sorensen or his surgery. The identities of other users of the site will be protected.
Justine Roberts, co-founder and chief executive of Mumsnet, said: “Initially we refused to hand over the information and said we would only comply if we were required to do so by a court order.”
Sorensen, whose clinic is based in London, is yet to comment.
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In 2007, Sheffield Wednesday FC won a High Court order forcing the owner of the ‘Owlstalk’ web forum to hand over the e-mail addresses of fans who posted messages criticising the club’s directors under online pseudonyms.
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