By Michael Thompson, Founder of the Falsely Accused Network
The recent BBC Panorama report on Sam Wall's four-year campaign of harassment against multiple victims highlights a troubling gap in our justice system and digital platforms' responsibility towards the falsely accused.
As someone who has worked with hundreds of victims of false accusations through the Falsely Accused Network, I found Brad Burton's words particularly poignant: "How do you prove a negative? That I had not poisoned the cat? Social media and the way it works, it's guilty until proven innocent."
This case exemplifies the devastating impact false accusations can have when amplified through social media. While Wall's victims eventually secured a conviction, they endured years of torment that damaged businesses, reputations, and mental health. What's particularly concerning is how social media companies failed to act, even after being notified of Wall's conviction.
The statistics are alarming: 600,000 people report online stalking annually, yet fewer than 2% of stalking complaints result in conviction. This creates a vast protection gap where the falsely accused are left exposed to devastating consequences with minimal recourse.
Our work at the Falsely Accused Network consistently finds three critical failures in the current system:
First, the burden of proof effectively falls on the accused rather than the accuser when allegations spread online. As Burton noted, proving something didn't happen is extraordinarily difficult, yet social media algorithms amplify sensational accusations regardless of veracity.
Second, social media platforms consistently abdicate responsibility. Even when presented with court judgments confirming false allegations, companies like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) frequently fail to remove defamatory content. Their lack of response to the BBC's inquiries regarding Wall's posts speaks volumes about their priorities.
Third, police and judicial responses remain inadequate. Despite following recommended advice—not engaging, keeping records, and reporting to police—victims found little protection until years of accumulated evidence finally resulted in charges.
This isn't just about individual suffering. When false accusations can destroy businesses and reputations with impunity, we create a chilling effect on community engagement and entrepreneurship. Burton's networking business supporting hundreds of small businesses suffered irreparable damage.
The solution requires a three-pronged approach:
We need legislation requiring social media platforms to respond promptly to court-verified false accusations. The ongoing failure to remove defamatory content even after criminal conviction is indefensible.
Police forces need specialised training and resources for digital harassment cases. Greater Manchester Police's statement about "delays in the wider criminal justice system" offers little comfort to victims who suffered for years.
Finally, we need better mental health support—both for those suffering delusional conditions like Wall and for victims of false accusations who experience significant trauma.
While Wall's psychiatric condition offers some context for her actions, it doesn't diminish the harm caused to her victims. False accusations, regardless of their source, create real victims who deserve protection.
As we increasingly live our personal and professional lives online, the gap in our protective systems becomes more dangerous. The falsely accused should not have to wait years for vindication while watching their reputations and livelihoods crumble.
At the Falsely Accused Network, we call for urgent reform to address this growing crisis. The digital pillory can be just as destructive as historical forms of public shaming—and in a connected world, potentially more damaging and persistent.
Without meaningful change, we risk a society where accusation alone becomes equivalent to guilt, and where the falsely accused have no practical means to clear their names.
Anyone who has been falsely accused of domestic abuse in England and Wales can contact the falsely accused network at our website www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk or email support@falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk to arrange a free and confidential call.
Link to BBC story
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