网络诽谤罪认定疑难问题探究

Exploring Difficulties in Identifying the Crime of Online Defamation

摘要: 在当今时代，信息网络已成为人们生活中不可或缺的组成部分，网络亦是信息获取的重要途径之一。随着互联网技术的持续迭代更新以及社交媒体的广泛普及，犯罪行为逐渐向网络空间蔓延，具备传播速度迅猛、影响范围广泛、危害后果严重等显著特征，对网络空间中公民的人格尊严和名誉权构成了严峻挑战。尤其是近年来，网络诽谤事件频繁发生，为有效打击此类犯罪行为，最高人民法院、最高人民检察院于2013年颁布了《关于办理利用信息网络实施诽谤适用问题解释》，该解释对网络诽谤的“情节严重”的认定标准作出解释，情节严重的认定标准在被广泛使用的同时学术界对此也存在着争议。2023年出台的《指导意见》紧跟时代发展潮流，对“严重危害社会秩序”的具体情形进行了修订完善，进一步清晰界定了网络服务提供者应承担的责任。然而，在司法实践的具体操作过程中，网络诽谤类犯罪的认定仍存在诸多界定模糊之处，亟待进一步探究。

Abstract: In the contemporary era, information networks have become an indispensable part of people’s lives, and the internet serves as one of the most critical channels for accessing information. With the continuous evolution of internet technology and the widespread adoption of social media, criminal activities have increasingly extended into cyberspace. These activities are characterized by rapid dissemination, extensive reach, and severe consequences, posing significant challenges to the protection of citizens’ personal dignity and reputation rights in the digital realm. In particular, the frequent occurrence of online defamation incidents in recent years has necessitated robust legal measures to combat such crimes. In response, the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate issued the Interpretation on the Application of Laws in the Handling of Defamation Cases Using Information Networks in 2013. This judicial interpretation elaborated on the criteria for identifying “serious circumstances” in online defamation cases. While these criteria have been widely applied in practice, they have also sparked academic debate. The 2023 Guidelines on Handling Online Defamation Cases further adapt to the evolving digital landscape by refining the specific scenarios constituting “serious harm to social order” and clarifying the responsibilities of internet service providers. Nevertheless, in the actual application of judicial practices, the identification and adjudication of online defamation crimes still face numerous ambiguities and complexities, warranting further in-depth exploration.