N.S. judge rules in Facebook case

A Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge has ordered an internet provider to hand over customer information to parents who are trying to determine who's behind a Facebook page that they allege defamed their daughter.

But Justice Arthur LeBlanc rejected an application to place a publication ban on the identity of the 15-year-old alleged victim, or details of what was said about her on the Facebook profile.

After a recess, the family indicated they wanted to review whether to appeal the decision, and the judge agreed to temporarily suspend his judgment until they determine their next step, expected on Tuesday.

LeBlanc heard arguments Thursday from the lawyer who represents the girl's family and two lawyers who represent the Halifax Chronicle Herald and Global TV.

Family wants girl's identity protected

Michelle Awad, the family's lawyer, had argued that the girl's identity should be protected and any details of the allegedly defamatory comments should be banned from publication to prevent further damage to her reputation.

Lawyers for the media outlets argued that the prospect for further embarrassment is not enough to warrant restrictions on media coverage, and that Awad had failed to provide evidence to show that a ban is necessary.

Under the judge's order, Halifax-based Eastlink would be required to give the family customer information it has on the account that created the Facebook page.

Awad has said the Facebook profile was created by someone who used a photo of the girl to make it appear as if the social networking page was her own.