Does media liability insurance cover content posted on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok?

Yes. Most modern media liability policies explicitly cover user-generated and brand-sponsored content published across digital and social channels, including podcasts, video streams, blogs, and social platforms.

Are my freelancers or subcontractors covered under my media liability policy?

Usually yes, provided they are working directly under your editorial direction and creating content commissioned by your company. Always review the policy wording to confirm whether freelance contributors are named insureds.

Is cyber insurance the same as media liability insurance?

No. Cyber liability insurance protects against data breaches, hacking, ransomware, and extortion. Media liability insurance protects against claims arising from the content itself (such as defamation or copyright theft). Many media organizations take out both covers.

Does media liability insurance provide coverage for claims made in the USA or Canada?

Digital media is accessible globally, but many Australian domestic policies exclude claims brought under US or Canadian jurisdictions unless a specific worldwide extension is endorsed on the policy.

Are legal defence costs covered if the claim against me is proven to be false?

Yes. A major benefit of media liability insurance is coverage for legal defense fees even when allegations of defamation or copyright infringement are groundless, frivolous, or ultimately dismissed.

Is media liability insurance tax deductible for Australian businesses?

Yes, business insurance premiums — including professional indemnity and media liability cover — are generally tax-deductible operating expenses for Australian businesses and sole traders.

Media Liability Insurance

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Media liability insurance is a specialised form of professional indemnity protecting digital publishers, creators and marketers.
It covers defamation, libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy claims arising from published content.
Policyholders are defended against allegations regardless of whether the claim is ultimately substantiated or dismissed.

Are you in the media or entertainment business? In today's digital era, anyone can publish content online to a massive audience with the click of a button. However, publishing content carries significant legal risk. If someone feels defamed, or alleges you breached their intellectual property or invaded their privacy, you could face devastating legal action.

Media liability insurance is designed to protect companies and professionals who distribute digital or print content from crippling lawsuits.

Who needs media liability insurance?

Anyone who distributes information to the public via websites, blogs, emails and desktop publishing needs media liability insurance. Professionals who benefit from a media liability insurance policy include:

Brand managers
Celebrities who make personal appearances
Graphic designers
Freelance journalists
Marketing and promotional companies
Online and interactive marketing companies
Public relations firms

Public speakers
Website developers
Electronic publishers
Cable and satellite broadcasters
Web hosters
Software developers.

Finder survey: How often do people compare or switch their public liability insurance?

Response	Female	Male
I never compare or switch	2.54%	2.12%
once a year	2.03%	2.31%
once every 3+ yrs	1.36%	0.39%
every 2 yrs	1.02%	1.35%
more than once a year	0.34%	0.19%

Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1112 Australians, December 2023

What is the role of media liability insurance?

Media liability insurance is designed to fill the gaps not covered by traditional liability insurance, such as professional indemnity insurance or public liability insurance. These policies are not designed to specifically cover the content created by or associated with media professionals.

Media liability insurance can protect you from claims alleging:

Defamation, libel, and slander
Invasion of privacy or breach of confidentiality
Plagiarism, copyright infringement, and trademark infringement
Breach of license agreements related to media content
Misleading advertising or deceptive commercial conduct

Covered

Legal defense costs, including barrister and solicitor fees
Settlement amounts negotiated out of court
Court-ordered damages and compensation payouts
Costs incurred to retract or amend defamatory material

Not Covered

Intentional or malicious criminal acts
Patent infringement claims
Fines and punitive sanctions imposed by regulatory bodies
Contractual liabilities assumed without prior insurer approval

Make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)

Finder research shows that nearly 1 in 4 Australians don't read their policy documents. A PDS includes a comprehensive list of all the inclusions and exclusions of a policy.

Speak to a broker about media liability insurance

FAQs

Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.
1. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): Advertising guidelines
2. Business.gov.au: Intellectual property and your business

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

Richard Laycock

Editor

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Richard Laycock is Finder’s insights editor after spending the last five years writing and editing articles about insurance. His musings can be found across the web including on MoneyMag, Yahoo Finance and Travel Weekly. Richard studied Media at Macquarie University and The Missouri School of Journalism and has a Tier 1 Certification in General Advice for Life Insurance. See full bio

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Media liability insurance

What is media liability insurance? It's worth considering if you work in the media industry.