Facebook and Twitter libel actions rise as total defamation cases hit six-year low

Overall reduction in cases attributed to new law, which sought to discourage trivial claims

The number of libel actions linked to posts on Facebook and Twitter rose last year, as overall defamation cases dropped to a six-year low.

Total defamation cases in the UK fell by 27% year on year, from 86 to 63, the lowest level since 2008/09, according to a new report.