What is libel?

Libel is defined as the act of publishing false information about an individual or entity that can cause reputational harm. This means that if someone writes or disseminates untrue statements about another person that damage that person's reputation, it constitutes libel. This legal concept is rooted in the protection of individuals from false narratives that can adversely affect their personal or professional lives.

In contrast, the other options involve either true or benign actions. Speaking falsely about someone, while harmful, is more directly related to slander, which pertains to spoken statements rather than written ones. Writing positive reviews does not resemble any defamatory action and could serve to promote rather than harm. Reporting news accurately is the complete opposite of libel, as it focuses on truthful dissemination of information rather than the spreading of falsehoods. Thus, the definition clearly aligns with the correct answer regarding the nature of libel.