BROADCASTER Miriam O'Callaghan last night said it was a "good day" after she received an unreserved apology from Facebook as part of her legal action over false and misleading adverts posted on the social media platform.
As part of the settlement, the High Court in Dublin yesterday heard Facebook has made it easier for Irish users to report misleading or scam ads.
It follows a five-year battle by the presenter over the misleading ads which she said had caused her distress and had damaged her reputation.
Senior Counsel Paul O’Higgins, instructed by solicitor Paul Tweed, for Ms O’Callaghan yesterday told the court that the matter had been settled against Facebook.
Included in the settlement agreement, Meta Platforms Ireland, formerly known as Facebook Ireland, have agreed to establish a scam ad reporting tool, which will allow Irish users to submit reports on misleading adverts to a specialist team within Facebook for review.
Facebook’s counsel Joe Jeffers Bl read an agreed statement to the court, where it was acknowledged that the proceedings over the publication of misleading adverts published on Facebook by "malicious third parties" had been resolved.
"These adverts contained fabricated statements, which have been extremely damaging to Ms O’Callaghan," he said.
"Meta Platforms Ireland accepts and regrets that the publication of these ads has caused Ms O’Callaghan distress and embarrassment, and regrets any wider concerns and distress caused by the ads.
"Meta Platforms Ireland apologises unreservedly to Ms O'Callaghan."
