Archdiocese of Indianapolis sues Facebook over phony Web page

Published: 2008-05-16

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is suing the online social networking site Facebook to learn the identity of the person who developed a phony Facebook page that targeted a high school administrator by using his name without his permission. The suit was filed May 9 on behalf of Tim Puntarelli, dean of students at the archdiocesan-run Roncalli High School in Indianapolis. Archdiocesan spokesman Greg Otolski told Catholic News Service May 15 that the suit was filed after Facebook failed to turn over information about who established the Web page and sent inappropriate messages to students. Facebook, based in Palo Alto, Calif., allows users to communicate with friends, fellow students, co-workers and others. Users can post photos and messages on individual Web pages. The phony Web page's anonymous developers must be identified in order for the archdiocese to determine if additional legal action is required to protect and restore Puntarelli's reputation, Otolski said. Facebook declined comment on the case.

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