Google defamed FF senator, court hears

Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne claims he has been grossly defamed by internet giant Google after it published a picture of convicted solicitor Thomas Byrne alongside the politician’s profile on the Google knowledge graph.

The former TD, who is also a qualified solicitor, said in court documents he was “absolutely shocked to see” his personal details published on a webpage under the name “Thomas Byrne” alongside a photograph of the convicted solicitor.

In the High Court, Mr Byrne secured an interim injunction preventing Google Ireland Ltd from publishing, as part of its Google Knowledge Graph of the Co Meath-based politician, a photograph of the Thomas Byrne recently convicted of theft and fraud offences.