How much is a tweet worth? It’s a question often asked by marketers. Now thanks to a recent Australian court ruling we have an answer: $105,000.

Pay day

Secondary school teacher Christine Mickle has been awarded that amount after a judge ruled she had been defamed by a former student on Facebook and Twitter.

District Court judge Michael Elkaim ruled that Andrew Farley, a former pupil at Orange High School, pay Ms Mickle the awarded amount.

In November 2012 Mr Farley posted a series of defamatory comments on the social networks about Ms Mickle, who had replaced Mr Farley’s father in the role of Orange High School’s music teacher.

Ms Mickle had never taught Mr Farley directly, and following the posts took sick leave. She only recently returned to work in a limited capacity.

Landmark case

The ruling marks the first time a Twitter defamation case has reached full trial in Australia. Other high profile cases, such as that involving journalist Marieke Hardy, have been settled before going to trial.

The decision is a reminder to individuals and brands that social media networks like Twitter and Facebook are publishing platforms in the eyes of the law, and penalties for misuse can be severe.

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