Removals are often the first step in returning a client’s reputation, after they have suffered online abuse. But simply removing content isn’t enough, especially in instances where a professional, celebrity, or brand have been victimized. While content that rises to the level of actionable defamation or harassment can be removed, commentary that is simply cruel, mocking, inaccurate, even nasty that doesn’t meet the legal requirements, won’t be removed by the platform. That means that a lot of negative commentary may still exist. For people attached to a scandal or a trauma, the general public may continue to search online, and finding only inaccurate and nasty commentary continue adding uneducated or mean spirited opinion.

While a stalker or harasser or extortionist my be the initial source of reputation damage, the media, bloggers, “armchair detectives,” and others can exacerbate the problem by simply regurgitating the inaccurate information. If there is nothing to counter falsehoods or answer legitimate questions, a vacuum is created that is easily filled with more inaccuracies and hate.

Remediation is the process of repairing a damaged reputation. This includes providing, fact based, educating content, creating positive and supportive content, and ingratiating ones self to a potentially hostile audience/consumer. That may include correcting public information, posting legal documents or the results of investigations, or creating engagement. For some people, that may include creating a platform where they can tell their story. Others simply want unemotional, factual recitation and to be otherwise left alone. Remediation may include third party, reputable outlet news coverage, documentaries, even a book.

At Merrell Strategy, we work closely with our client to determine the best course of removal and remediation.