Courts / Ireland / Report

Meta apologises to Miriam O'Callaghan, promises 'scam ad' reporting tool for Facebook

Summary

The High Court heard that Miriam O'Callaghan's action against Facebook Ireland, formerly Meta Platforms Ireland, has been settled. The broadcaster alleged that defamatory and untrue advertisements posted on Facebook and Instagram in May 2018 falsely suggested she had left her position at RTE's Prime Time to endorse skin care products. Ms. O'Callaghan claimed these malicious third-party ads caused distress, damaged her reputation, and exploited public trust. She sought damages for defamation, malicious falsehood, and unlawful appropriation of personality, along with a permanent injunction. During the proceedings, she secured an order for subscriber information, which identified 51 names in the United States and the Balkans as co-defendants, though no real persons were identified. In the settlement, Meta Platforms Ireland issued an unreserved apology, acknowledging the ads caused distress and embarrassment. The company agreed to use robust measures to tackle such advertisements and will introduce an additional scam ad reporting tool for Irish users, allowing reports to be submitted to a specialist team. Ms. O'Callaghan's legal team stated the settlement achieved their client's objectives of terminating the fake ads and vindicating her reputation. The matter was resolved by agreement, with the court noting the cessation of the fake adverts and the implementation of the new reporting mechanism.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Meta apologises to Miriam O'Callaghan, promises 'scam ad' reporting tool for Facebook. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-02-25 Publication

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report