All posts
4.02.22
What is required for a harassment by publication claim to succeed?
In Sube & Anor v News Group Newspapers Ltd & Anor (Rev 1) [2020] EWHC 1125, Mr Justice Warby (as he then was) distilled several points that had arisen from the limited number of authorities that have addressed claims for harassment by publication to the world at large (hereinafter simply referred to as ‘harassment by…
Read more18.01.22
How to identify anonymous anti-vax trolls
In the social media age, anyone can quickly and unintentionally become the subject of online harassment, such as speculation, ridicule, and abuse. A significant minority are willing to post, retweet or share content without care or critical thinking, spreading misinformation and hate. A smaller, but still significant, minority actively target and abuse those who do…
Read more10.01.22
Lexis Nexis Interview: Misuse of private information claims – where are we after Lloyd v Google?
Percy Preston of Brett Wilson LLP is interviewed about the future of misuse of private information claims after the Supreme Court’s decision in Lloyd v Google [2021] UKSC 50 What are the key points the Supreme Court made in Lloyd v Google regarding misuse of private information claims? It is important to note that the…
Read more21.12.21
Fighting fire with fire: making counter-allegations in response to a libel
It is normally defamatory to allege that a party has committed a serious crime. However many publishees will choose to publicly rebut an allegation, accuse the publisher of dishonesty and/or make counter-allegations, rather than sue for libel. But does this itself not put the accused at risk of being sued for defamation themselves? The answer…
Read more14.12.21
Press Release: Mensa pays Eugene Hopkinson libel damages
British Mensa Limited and its directors have agreed to pay defamation damages and costs to former director Eugene Hopkinson after publishing a series of statements that alleged he was responsible for a data leak and cyberattack and had deliberately attempted to harm Mensa and its membership. The settlement was announced at a hearing before Mr…
Read more22.11.21
Should litigants in person get less leeway in libel cases?
The question of how much leeway a litigant-in-person should get when it comes to compliance with the Civil Procedure Rules (‘CPR’) and court orders is a long-argued and fraught one. The concept of litigants-in-person being treated in the same way as those professionally represented has been eroded over time with concessions here and indulgences there….
Read more22.10.21
High Court throws out ‘trivial’ data leak claim
In Rolfe & Ors v Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP [2021] EWHC 2809 (QB) Master McCloud granted the Defendant’s application for summary judgment on the basis that there was no credible case that a data leak had caused distress or damage above a de minimis threshold. Facts The facts of the case are straightforward. The Defendant…
Read more21.10.21
Brett Wilson LLP and its lawyers recommended in Chambers and Partners 2022 directory
Brett Wilson LLP’s media and communications law and criminal defence departments have again been recommended by the prestigious Chambers and Partners directory. In the firm’s media and communications law department, partners Iain Wilson (noted for ‘having very good knowledge and understanding what a client wants), Max Campbell (‘outstanding knowledge, practical approach and amazing client service‘) and…
Read more19.10.21
Neighbour CCTV harassment and data protection claim succeeds
Introduction On 12 October 2021, Oxford County Court handed down judgment in Fairhurst v Woodard (Case No: G00MK161). A dispute between neighbours over the use of cameras for security purposes, the case gave rise to successful claims in harassment and data protection, and offers an important note of caution for those looking to install surveillance…
Read more18.10.21
Footballers assert data protection claim over the use of performance statistics
Data is a commodity, with businesses buying and selling huge amounts of it every day. Generally, the personal data sold is authorised by the individuals to which it relates (often unwittingly by a waiver never read in a thrice-removed hyperlink alongside “accept cookies” or “I agree to these terms and conditions”). Russell Slade, however, is…
Read moreLegal Disclaimer
Articles are intended as an introduction to the topic and do not constitute legal advice.
