The ruling does protect the internet sites but not the actual comment makers, “until Congress chooses to revise the settled law in this area, however, plaintiffs who contend they were defamed in an Internet posting may only seek recovery from the original source of the statement.'' wrote Justice Carol Corrigan.

The appeal decision is based on the courts desire to “serve and protect online freedom of expression and to encourage self-regulation.'' However some wonder if the ruling might result in “blanket immunity for those who intentionally redistribute defamatory statements on the Internet.”

Source:The Mercury News