Belfast court demands X disclose anonymous account's identity

A High Court in Belfast has ordered the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to reveal the identity of an anonymous user. This account is accused of defaming solicitor Kevin Winters. Winters took legal action against the company to find out who operated the now-closed account named 'Malachy O'. The posts from this account included criticisms of retired police officers and their role as whistleblowers. The anonymous account is believed to be linked to individuals within An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force. Winters argues that this account has also targeted his legal practice. The court order requires X to provide information such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses connected to the account. It also includes details about when the account was registered and its IP address. The information will help Winters’ clients, former gardaí, pursue legal action for defamation related to the account's comments. Winters remarked that anonymous online attacks are cowardly, and legal measures can help prevent them. He expressed optimism that this order would enable his clients to address the harmful postings made two years ago.