Laws against theft are just because violence is a legitimate form of recourse against thieves. In order to surrender this right to violence, people need an alternative recourse. This furthers my point - since what we're talking about is basically gossip at scale, would you argue that violence is a legitimate form of recourse?
Why is violence is a legitimate form of recourse against thieves? Perhaps violence is so inherently evil that it is better to part with one’s property than to protect it with force.
...your right to swing your arm leaves off where my right not to have my nose struck begins. -John B. Finch