Harringtons LLP advises individuals and businesses facing damaging publications, online allegations or the threatened disclosure of private information. We assess the legal position and help you choose a proportionate response before a fast-moving situation escalates.
Before publication
If a journalist, publisher or other party contacts you with allegations, preserve the enquiry and its deadline. We can assess the proposed publication, clarify the disputed facts and advise on an appropriate response. Where necessary, we consider urgent legal options. No solicitor can guarantee that publication will be prevented.
After an allegation appears online
Keep the original web address, screenshots, publication dates and relevant messages. We can assess whether correspondence, a correction, an apology, a platform report or a legal claim is appropriate. The publisher, context, audience and supporting evidence all matter. A hasty public response can spread the allegation further or complicate the legal position.
Privacy, confidentiality and personal data
Reputational problems are not always defamation claims. They may involve private information, confidential material or the processing of personal data. We assess the rights and competing interests involved, including lawful reporting and freedom of expression. Content removal and search-result delisting are different remedies and neither is automatic.
Coordinating related proceedings
Public allegations may overlap with criminal, employment or Tusla matters. We consider those proceedings before advising on statements, correspondence or litigation. A consistent legal strategy should protect your position without making unsupported claims or giving assurances that cannot be met.
Legal protection and practical judgment
Our role is legal advice and representation. We assess whether action is justified, what it could achieve and the risk of drawing further attention to the material. Where litigation is appropriate, our civil litigation and defamation work supports the response. We do not promise to erase lawful reporting or remove every negative search result.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
Common questions
Can you remove a negative article or social-media post?
We can assess whether there is a legal or platform-based basis to seek removal, correction or another remedy. A negative statement is not necessarily unlawful, and removal cannot be guaranteed.
Is reputation management the same as defamation litigation?
No. It can include pre-publication advice, privacy, confidentiality, data-protection issues and correspondence. Defamation litigation is one possible route where the facts and law justify it.
What if a journalist has given me a deadline?
Contact us immediately with the full enquiry, proposed deadline and relevant documents. Avoid assuming that an extension has been agreed unless this is confirmed.
Does the right to erasure remove everything about me from the internet?
No. It applies only in defined circumstances and is subject to exceptions, including competing rights and legal obligations. The position must be assessed for the particular information and organisation involved.
Further information
General information about legal services in Ireland. Advice depends on your circumstances. Contact us promptly about any deadline.