Google Faces Legal Pressure to Disclose Information Regarding Ads Featuring Michéal Martin’s Image

The High Court has ordered Google to hand over information related to an online scam that used the name and image of the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin.

The scam was designed to target vulnerable people in a cryptocurrency scheme. After Martin came across the fake ads, Google took them down, but he wanted to know who was behind them. While Google was cooperative to a point, it refused to provide the information without a court order.

Martin’s lawyers went to court last week, and an order was made today without objection from Google.

The order requires Google to hand over basic subscriber information, including names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers linked to accounts associated with the ads.

It also requires Google to provide details of any financial accounts or services used to pay for the publication of the ads, as well as any IP addresses from which the funds were accessed. Google must comply with the order within 21 days.

Response

The Tánaiste welcomed the order and deemed the ads in question completely unacceptable.

Fianna Fáil stated on his behalf, stating that Michéal Martin believes it is essential to hold currently anonymous third parties accountable. He now awaits relevant information from Google.

Stephen Carter

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