What is the term for the communication of false information about a person that damages their reputation?

The term for the communication of false information about a person that damages their reputation is defamation. Defamation is a broad legal concept that encompasses both libel and slander. It refers to any statement that is false and injurious to someone’s reputation. Defamation can occur in written form (libel) or through spoken statements (slander). Therefore, when a statement causes harm to a person's reputation through false information, that is classified as defamation.

While libel relates specifically to written defamation and slander pertains to spoken defamation, defamation itself is the overarching term that describes the act generally. This makes it clear that defamation is the correct answer when defining the communication of false information damaging to reputation. It captures the full scope of the issue, making it the most comprehensive and appropriate response in this context.