Defemation, Privacy, and the Role of Public Figures: A Comparative Study of Iran and the U.S. Legal Systems

Legal systems around the world have adopted different approaches to protecting the privacy and integrity of citizens. However, protecting these values at times runs into conflict with principles such as freedom of speech and access to information. Moreover, the rise of social media platforms has intensified this conflict. In the U.S., the recognition of "public figure" and “actual malice” standard in defamation and privacy lawsuits has been a critical move in balancing the different values at stake. This Article studies the role of public figure standard in the U.S. defamation and privacy laws. It proposes that recognizing the differences between public figures and private persons in Iran’s tort law system can also help balance the various interests of the Iranian society and reduce the floodgate of defamation lawsuits. This approach will not undermine the right of private individuals who need the legal system’s guaranteed protection of their reputation and privacy.