Brendan O'Connor sues Mediahuis over data breach

The RTÉ broadcaster is latest to claim emails were illegally accessed by people working for INM 
Brendan O'Connor sues Mediahuis over data breach

RTÉ broadcaster Brendan O’Connor has filed a High Court action against Mediahuis Ireland Group, formerly known as Independent News and Media (INM), over an alleged data breach.

It is understood that Mr O’Connor, who writes a column for the Sunday Independent, is suing the publishing company after his emails were allegedly illegally accessed in a data breach.

The proceedings against Mediahuis Ireland and former INM chair Leslie Buckley, were filed by solicitor Simon McAleese on Friday.

According to The Irish Times, Mr O'Connor is the latest person to sue the company over an alleged data breach in 2014, with other high-profile names understood to have already settled or almost settled with the company.

They include INM’s former chief executive, Vincent Crowley, and Sam Smyth, a former star columnist at the Irish Independent, who is believed to have settled for a large six-figure sum.

Mediahuis is understood to have set aside about €10 million to settle the litany of data cases.

The breach is alleged to have involved emails and other material being searched by third parties for mentions of “persons of interest”. The breach was found to be illegal by the Data Protection Commission.

More in this section

Bank of Ireland branches due to close Bank worker who stole €200k and tried to set branch on fire should have been jailed, DPP argues
Girls in single sex schools want more options to study STEM subjects, report shows Girls in single sex schools want more options to study STEM subjects, report shows
Wicklow man branded a 'monster' sentenced to three years for indecent assault of young girl Wicklow man branded a 'monster' sentenced to three years for indecent assault of young girl

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more