网络名誉权与网络言论自由的冲突与制衡——再论“微博第一案”

Conflicts and Balance of Network Reputation Rights and Free Expression on Internet——Further Discussion on “Micro-blog First Case”

互联网社会中利益多元化的群体对于名誉权和言论自由的理解和需求是不同的。网络中发表的言论时常伴随着对他人名誉权的侵犯,网络言论包括在互联网中陈述事实与发表观点。为减少网络言论对他人名誉权可能造成的侵害,网络言论自由应受到一定程度的限制。司法实践在规制此种冲突时,应该遵循利益平衡的原则,在民法没有对言论自由做出规定的当下,应按照宪法关于保护言论自由的精神,平衡网络言论自由和网络名誉权的关系。在具体个案认定时,应区分"事实陈述"与"意见表达",给予网络言论不同的自由程度;此外,对于网络名誉侵权主体和网络名誉被侵权人,应根据两种主体的身份特征、身份属性对自然人和法人、公众人物与普通大众、专业者和非专业者区别对待。

The needing and understanding of the reputation rights and the free expression are different among different groups on the Internet. The network remarks which include a statement of fact and opinions on the Internet are often associated with violation of others＇ reputation rights. In order to reduce the reputation infringement,the free expression should be restricted to a certain extent. In judicial practice,when regulating such conflicts,the court should follow the principle of balanced interests,and according to the spirit of the Constitution＇s protecting free expression,the relationship between network reputation rights and free expression on the Internet should be balanced. In specific cases,the differences between ＂statement of facts＂and ＂expression of opinion＂should be distinguished,different degree of freedom should be given; in addition,with regard to the infringer and the infringed,natural person and legal person,public figure and the general public,professional and non-professional should be differently treated in view of identity.