Courts / Ireland / Report

Live stream app Vinivia claims it is target of 'malicious smear campaign' on X

Summary

Switzerland-based Vinivia AG, CEO Steffan Graff, and CFO Marcello Genovese appeared before the High Court to seek a Norwich Pharmacal Order against Twitter International. The applicants alleged that four X accounts were targeting them with a malicious smear campaign, posting statements they claimed were defamatory, false, and in breach of GDPR rights. Counsel stated the posts accused the plaintiffs of fraud, money laundering, and other misconduct, causing significant reputational damage and an estimated €4m loss in investment. The court heard that American influencer Charli D'Amelio had cancelled her Live Streams on the app due to the negative posts. Mr Justice Oisin Quinn heard the application on an ex-parte basis. He granted the plaintiffs permission to serve notice of their application on Twitter International, directing the company to provide details identifying the holders of the four accounts. The judge described the allegations against the plaintiffs as serious and made the matter returnable to a date later this month. The applicants also sought orders for the removal of the posts and suspension of the accounts.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Live stream app Vinivia claims it is target of 'malicious smear campaign' on X. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2024-07-09 Publication

Why: The plaintiffs claim that because of the posts, they have "suffered significant reputational damage". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report