Courts / Ireland / Report

Judge urges Facebook and Janet Jackson's ex to resolve differences over fake ads

Summary

A High Court judge has urged representatives of Facebook and Wissam Al Mana to resolve their differences regarding an application for information on those behind 'fake ads'. Mr Al Mana, a UK-based Qatari national, has brought proceedings over adverts which he says are wrongly and maliciously using his name and image. The adverts contain a fake news article linking him to a cryptocurrency auto-trading program, which he has nothing to do with. Mr Al Mana wants to sue both Facebook Ireland Ltd and the parties behind the adverts for defamation and malicious falsehood. As part of his action, Mr Al Mana's lawyers also seek a 'Norwich Pharmacal' order from the court. That order would require Facebook to disclose details that would allow them to identify the unknown persons that placed the ads. The application was briefly mentioned before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds at the High Court on Wednesday morning. Anna Shanley BL, for Mr Al Mana, said the sides had been in discussions concerning that order but there was an issue that remains outstanding. In reply, Cian Ferriter SC for Facebook said that one net issue remains between the parties. Ms Justice Reynolds urged the sides to continue their efforts to resolve their differences. The matter was adjourned for a week.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge urges Facebook and Janet Jackson's ex to resolve differences over fake ads. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2020-03-25 Publication

Why: In order to bring a defamation action against those persons behind the fake advertisements, proceedings must be brought within 12 months of them first being published. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report