Latent Defamation: A “Creative” Approach to Misdeed

The article features complex research of the latent defamation as a particular phenomenon understudied in theory. Author suggests for this category the following definition: disguised by various means, lacking the direct verbal expression dissemination of the false damaging information. Classification of the latent defamation on the criterion of the form of its display is developed. Author represents the detailed review of such basic latent defamation forms as defamation through text (which includes literary work as well as rhetorical questions), symbols (emoji, stickers, likes, emoticons), other images (photomontage, sculptures, pictorial caricatures, paintings). It is established that currently legal controversies with regard to cases on latent defamation are comparatively small numbered. Nevertheless the trend for its increasing is forecasted which is driven by continuing digitalisation process and widening the range of new technologies applicability for illicit purposes (among other things different instruments for the virtual communication, photo, video and audio content fabrication).