Legal Definitions - dissemination

Dissemination refers to the act of widely distributing or spreading information, ideas, or materials to a broad audience. In a legal context, it often specifically refers to the circulation of harmful or false statements, such as in defamation cases.

• Example 1: Public Health Information

  A local health department publishes and distributes flyers, social media posts, and press releases about a new flu vaccine campaign, detailing its benefits and where to get vaccinated.

  This illustrates dissemination because the health department is actively spreading important health information to the community through various channels to ensure it reaches a wide audience and encourages public participation.

• Example 2: Defamatory Content Online

  An individual posts a series of false and damaging statements about a former employer on several popular social media platforms and online forums, accusing them of illegal practices without any supporting evidence.

  This is a clear example of dissemination in a legal sense, specifically concerning defamation. By posting the false statements on public platforms, the individual is actively circulating and spreading potentially harmful information to a wide online audience, which could damage the employer's reputation and lead to legal action.

• Example 3: Educational Materials

  A non-profit organization creates a comprehensive guide on financial literacy for young adults and then distributes thousands of copies to high schools, community centers, and libraries across the state, while also making a digital version freely available on their website.

  This demonstrates dissemination as the organization is systematically spreading its educational materials through multiple avenues to ensure its valuable information reaches a broad and diverse audience, extending its influence and accessibility.