Libel laws protect individuals and organizations from false statements that can harm their reputation. A statement is considered libelous if it is published, untrue, and damaging. This can include written articles, social media posts, or any other form of communication that is shared publicly. To win a libel case, the plaintiff usually must prove that the statement was made with negligence or actual malice, especially if the plaintiff is a public figure. Defamation laws vary by country, but the core principle remains the same: protecting individuals from harmful misinformation.