Courts / Kildare / Report
Facebook claims it would have difficulties providing account details
Summary
In a High Court hearing, Facebook Ireland Ltd argued it would face difficulties complying with a Norwich Pharmacal order sought by former Fianna Fail TD Frank O'Rourke. O'Rourke's application, following a successful order against Twitter, seeks details of an account he claims posted defamatory content about him, including the holder's name, email and IP address. Facebook's counsel, Rossa Fanning, explained that the company lacks a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for the alleged defamatory post, which is necessary to identify the poster. The company also cited concerns about handing over information on a common name that could lead to the wrong account being disclosed. Justice Leonie Reynolds directed Facebook to submit a sworn statement detailing the steps it has taken to locate the account. The case was adjourned to January, with O'Rourke alleging that the posts were intended to damage his political career during the 2020 General Election. The court noted that O'Rourke had lost his seat in February's election.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Facebook claims it would have difficulties providing account details. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2020-12-15 Publication
Why: Counsel said it appeared that Facebook was "shrugging its shoulders" regarding his client's application because it does not have details including a URL of the comments his client claims are defamatory. CNI source report
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