Twitter and Defamation: Singer sued for offensive tweet

Courtney Love has become the first singer sued over comments made on the blogging website, Twitter, even though hundreds of celebrities and politicians have jumped to create Twitter accounts, using it to communicate their movements, thoughts and opinions to thousands or, in some cases, millions of "followers".

The case is likely to focus on whether the statements should be regarded by fans as factual, and therefore potentially defamatory, or merely as opinions which would be protected as free speech under the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

It will also raise the issue of where the boundaries lie in the social networking arena.

Do you think that social networks should be included in defamation law, especially considering their uses in delivering court documents and summons currently in Australia?