Courts / Dublin / Report
Human rights lawyer's action against Google may not need formal orders
Summary
In March 2020 a High Court case was adjourned generally after a German human‑rights lawyer, Mark Somos, sought orders against Google Ireland Ltd. He alleged that parties based in the Middle East, specifically Qatari actors, had attempted to hack his private Gmail account in December 2019 and January 2020. Somos requested that Google disclose the identities of those who unlawfully accessed his account and the devices used, but was told that such information could only be provided if the courts issued an order. The case was brought in Ireland because Google's Dublin facility serves as its European, African and Middle East headquarters. Niall Buckley BL represented Somos and informed Justice Leonie Reynolds that the matter could be resolved without formal orders, leading the judge to adjourn the case generally. Somos claims the hacking attempts are linked to his representation of victims of human‑rights abuses by Qatar and that they have caused him considerable distress.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Human rights lawyer's action against Google may not need formal orders. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- December 2019 Adjournment
- 2020-03-05 Publication
Why: The action was before the Irish courts because Google's Dublin facility is its European, African and Middle East headquarters. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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