the pressure on UK police forces is relentless and growing. Over the past decade, forces have faced repeated funding cuts, coupled with rising population pressures driven by high levels of immigration
In past cases, forfeiture has usually been reserved for serious wrongdoing — fraud, abuse, serious sexual offences which attracted a lengthy prison sentence. Stripping someone of their honour was a rare and extreme step, meant for extreme situations
Saving your OBE award from forfeiture – the case of Charlie Mullins OBE Read More »
Bringing a YouTuber to justice for this level of harassment is far from straightforward.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was YouTube’s reluctance to act. Despite clear evidence that Vinnicombe was using his platform to spread dangerous misinformation and
The case of Frankie Rzucek v Alan Vinnicombe Read More »
Being illegal immigrants means they have no passports and no identification documents, effectively erasing their existence in the eyes of the authorities. They are stripped of their private mobile phones and denied any free contact with the outside world, leaving them utterly isolated and under constant surveillance.
The Hidden Human Cost of Illegal Immigration and People Trafficking Read More »
The lawyer behind Sweet Bobby documentary explains how it was possible to drive the victim into 10 years of believing she was having relationship with a real person.
Victim of catfishing was “driven crazy” by catfish Read More »
This legal battle is ongoing, as we seek justice for the significant damage caused to Bbobby and his family by Sweet Bobby’s catfishing scandal.
Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare – The Lawyer’s Perspective on a Decade of Deception Read More »
I recently represented Stephen Belafonte, who has earlier filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife, Melanie Brown (Mel B) of the Spice Girls
Mel B and Stephen Belafonte Court Case Read More »
Yair Cohen and Filiz Kiani, lawyers behind the Sweet Bobby documentary speak about the catfishing case from the legal prespective
Behind the scenes of the Sweet Bobby legal case Read More »
the implications of the Brazilian judge’s decision. While Matt focused on Elon Musk and X as the sources of controversy, I argued that the more pressing issue is being overlooked
The Controversial Ban on X in Brazil: A Debate with Matt Frei | LBC Interview Read More »
Yair Cohen, represents David Paisley, a former actor and prominent LGBT rights activist, who brought a defamation claim against Graham Linehan, a well-known television writer, in the English High Court.
The Case of David Paisley vs. Graham Linehan Read More »
In the so called Hampstead Paedophile Hoax case. solicitor Yair Cohen represented a mother whose life was devastated by an online harassment campaign led by Sabine McNeill, a 75-year-old pensioner.
The Hampstead Paedophile Hoax case Read More »
Yair Cohen is the solicitor who represented TJM, a Royal Marine Officer, who faced defamatory allegations from West Yorkshire Police. His former partner accused him of controlling and coercive behaviour.
The case of TJM v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police Read More »
Yair Cohen acted for David Paisley in a defamation case following defamatory statements by Linehan on his Substack account, including third-party comments under his articles.
The case of David Paisley and Graham Linehan Read More »
Recently, I was quoted in a Newsweek article discussing Elon Musk’s controversial comments regarding a potential UK civil war and Keir Starmer’s subsequent legal warnings about online violence. The full article can be read here Could Elon Musk Face Legal Action For UK ‘Civil War’ Post?. Given my deep interest in technology, law, and free
Elon Musk, UK Civil War, and Keir Starmer’s Populist Rhetoric: A Critical Analysis Read More »
In this libel case, Yair Cohen acted for Mr Aaronson who is known as Dominic Ford, against Marcus Stones, who is known as Mickey Taylor The case revolved around serious accusations made on Twitter. The judge highlighted the importance of responsible journalism and the verification of information before publication, noting that Stones’ belief that publishing the statements was in the public interest was not objectively reasonable.
The case of Jack Aaronson AKA Dominic Ford V Marcus Stones Aka Mickey Taylor Read More »
The case of Brian Dudley v Michael Phillips involves a financial advisor who became the victim of nearly 6 years of defamation and harassment campaign by a former colleague, Michael Phillips. He was awarded, for the first time in England, combined damages for defamation and for breach of Date Protection Act by his defamer.
The case of Brian Dudley v Michael Phillips Read More »
Why do people troll celebrities? Rumours about celebrities on social media The world of fame and fortune can be a difficult one to navigate. For celebrities, their lives are often the target of scrutiny from their fans and haters alike. Unfortunately, the rise of the internet has made it easier for people to express their
Celebrities Internet Trolls Read More »
Following a highly strategic operation, Yair Cohen applied to the High Court for a blackmail injunction, preventing KZL from making any type of disclosure about her relationship with XLD or about XLD’s name.
The case of XLD v KZL Read More »
The case of Paul Britton was the first case in the UK, where an online troll was made to take responsibility for his harassing an defamatory activities twice. First in the criminal court and once convicted, in a separate civil case in the High Court.
The cases of R V Paul Britton and Phipps v Paul Britton and Origin Design Read More »
The case of Rada-Ortiz v Espinosa-Vadillo involved two employees of the United Nation. It was the first case in the UK where an harassment injunction was grated against a former employee who harassed his former supervisor.
The case of Rada-Ortiz v Espinosa-Vadillo Read More »
The case of Dominated Men and Mario Rogers involved a porn producer who, Yair Cohen discovered, was also working as a head teacher in a primary school. He took advantage of homeless men. Legal action by Yair Cohen forced him to shut down his sadistic website.
The case of Dominated Men and Mario Rogers Read More »
The case of DDF v YYZ, involved the first ever service of a harassment injunction through the social media platform Instagram.
The case of DDF V YYZ Read More »
The case of GYH v Persons Unknown Involved the grant of various legal rights to a transgender sex worker, including a right to keep her transition private on escort review websites.
The Case of GYH V Persons Unknown Read More »
The case of one brave woman, Nicola Brookes, was the first ever application for a disclosure order against Facebook, to compel the social media platform to hand over information about an internet troll.
The case of Nicola Brookes V Persons Unknown Read More »
The case of Lindsey Goldrick Dean V Paul Curran was the longest known harassment case in the UK. Yair Cohen traced the harasser and finally brought him to justice.
The case of Lindsey Goldrick Dean V Paul Curran Read More »
The case of The Case of Kirat Assi v Simran Kaur Bhogal was a complex case of catfishing that lasted for a decade. Yair Cohen finally brought Simran Kaur Bhogal to justice in a well publicised High Court case
The Case of Kirat Assi v Simran Kaur Bhogal – Sweet Bobby Read More »
tried to change Google’s default privacy settings. When you use Google search, or YouTube, Google brings up a screen which is intended to help you make the right choices about the permission you give Google to collect your private information.
Google fined for bad cookies practices Read More »
What is the legal status of fact-checking?
According to Facebook, assertive statements of false information, misinformation or disinformation following fact-checking are not facts. They are only an opinion, even though, they are stated as facts and they also carry with them various sanctions.
Trouble at the Ministry of Truth Read More »
Latest anti-trust ruling by the European Court Today, the European General Court upheld a 2017 anti-trust ruling by the European Commission which imposed on Google a fine of $2.8 billion following a finding of anti-competitive conduct by the internet giant Why the decision against Google is important Google has lost its appeal against a $2.8
The EU anti-trust case against Google-the latest chapter Read More »
YouTube deletes 2 news channels depriving 500,000,000 viewers of news choice YouTube has permanently deleted two news channels, which appear to have reported news in a manner disagreeable to YouTube. Both news channels, which between them share more than half a billion viewers are sister stations of Russian RT News. The news channels broadcast in
YouTube deletes RT News Channels Read More »
Do social media companies discriminate against Russian generated content and if so, who has to pay the price? Yair Cohen explains in a live interview
Social media giants told by watchdog to delete tons of content or else…. Read More »
The aim of Senate Bill 7072 Florida (SB 7072) is to create a fairer competing environment for political candidates in Florida.
Senate Bill 7072 Florida Read More »
Internal security organisations in the US, have requested powers to allow them handle ransomware threat the same they handle terrorism.
blackmail and ransomware threat are a form of terrorism Read More »
Apple fined for anti-competitive behaviour. Earlier this week, Apple was fined by the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service for gaining an unfair advantage over other companies, through its app store.
Apple fined $12M in Russia over alleged app market abuse Read More »
Biden v Knight First Amendment Institute, summary of the facts of the case. The case was first brought on behalf of Twitter users who objected to the right of President Donald Trump to block them. The core complaint was that the President’s Twitter account was an “official” account and that the comments section on his Twitter account was a “constitutionally protected public forum
Why India farmers protest is supported by social media giants
India farmers protest is supported by social media giants Read More »
There are political ideologies that thrive on chaos. What if one day (or perhaps already) Facebook decides to adopt one of those ideologies and start using its power and influence to promote and spread chaos in some countries or around the world.
Did Facebook promote Chaos during COVID days? Read More »
The advice given by police to victims of harassment on the internet is to ignore their harassers or, in other words, develop a thicker skin.
Why the UK police tolerate online trolling? Read More »
Tool lets the boss watch
staff working from home The space in your spare bedroom does not automatically turn into the property of your e
Do employers have the right to spy on employees UK Read More »
In the case where damages awarded for breach of privacy on Facebook, it was shown that even when family members share information among themselves (only 35 people had access to the information), where the information is considered to be privacy
Breach of privacy after a post on a private Facebook Group court case Read More »
Tracing apps are playing a significant role in some countries in combating COVID-19. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has given a huge boost to some technological advances but more importantly, the virus has created a public readiness to accept them.
Why European governments are reluctant to use mobile phone tracking apps during COVID19 Read More »
What are the legal consequences of parents posting images and other private information about their young children on the internet
legal consequences of parents posting images of children Read More »
As our lives become more isolated and the amount of time we spend on social media is soaring, we start quickly to run out of original things to post. Thank God, though, that there are children in this world. No matter where you put them, they will always come up with something funny, creative and
Can you post pictures of minors on social media without consent Read More »
‘It could be a very simple process,’ says Yair Cohen, Internet Law Expert
Identifying online trolls would curtail bullying Read More »
The internet is allowing all type of vultures to take advantage of celebrities’ vulnerability. Celebrity harassment lawyer Yair Cohen says harassment of celebrities online is permitted because we encourage anonymous speech online
Celebrity harassment, vulnerability and online anonymity Read More »
The truth of the matter is that Facebook is now a “publisher” and as such it can be sued, at least in the UK for
Is Facebook a publisher? Read More »
At times of trouble, when important decisions need to be made, within the organisation about a critical topic, the place to turn to for the right answer is the mission statement. Mission statements are a way get everyone focused on the right direction, and they play a part in helping a business make sound long-term decisions.
Twitter, Facebook, Political Ads, Fake News and Mission Statements Read More »
Solicitor Yair Cohen speaks to BBC Radio Kent about The rate of homophobic hate crimes in the UK, including stalking and online harassment, has more than doubled over the past five years, with Kent police reporting a staggering 400% increase in reported cases.
Why homophobic hate crime has surged in England and Wales Read More »
I don’t know Jesy Nelson, but I feel both, relieved and delighted that she had found the courage to speak out about her experience to the BBC. I am absolutely sure that actions will save lives
Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson Trolling Read More »
Introducing the Solicitor of the Year – Private Practice Shortlist: Q&A with Yair Cohen, Partner at Cohen Davis Solicitors
Law Society Lawyer of the Year Finalist Interview: Yair Cohen Read More »
Social media platforms to be accountable for amplifying hate speech from Yair Cohen Solicitor on Vimeo. 8chan is where the suspect of the El Paso Shooting is believed to have posted a white nationalist manifesto rant. The platform in the meantime, had been shut down but the post was then copied to numerous mainstream social
Should social media platforms be made accountable for hate speech? Read More »
Facebook recently introduced a new tool aimed at giving users greater control over their personal data. But is it truly a remedy for privacy concerns, or just another layer of complexity in the tech giant’s data collection practices? Let’s break it down.
Facebook’s new privacy tool: What it really means for your privacy Read More »
Artificial intelligence might be great for Facebook and particularly for boosting up its advertising revenue. However,
Can predictive crime systems turn into a thought police Read More »
It’s an industry wide problem but will the big tech giants ever understand the reach of the damage that their negligent behaviour can cause? Facebook has created a reporting tool for scam adverts and donated £3m to Citizens Advice for an anti-scan project called Scams Action. The project was launched by Facebook after they agreed to
Facebook launches ads scam report tool following defamation lawsuit Read More »
Instagram has introduced two new systems using artificial intelligence. One, which will be known as Comment Warning, will be responding to comments that will prompt the encouragement of rewording if abuse Yair Cohen says to BBC World
Instagram declare war on bullying to avoid Government regulations Read More »
Simone Burns death. What impact can sharing such material have on an individual and what can be done to limit the distress and damaged
Simone Burns death-free speech or freedom from harassment Read More »
Yair Cohen , Social Media Lawyer, discusses Twitter’s recent decision of hiding harmful tweets by politicians
Can Twitter censorship of politicians’ tweets ever be justified? Read More »
In an interview with RT News, Yair Cohen – Internet Law and Social Media Lawyer, discusses alongside Bill Merr, a privacy campaigner, the recent revelation about Facebook’s moderator contractors’ poor working conditions and what Facebook could possibly do to improve working conditions.
Perhaps Facebook does not really want content on its platform to be moderated Read More »
US Congress launches Big Tech Antitrust Probe The federal government is warming up its antitrust enforcement machine and is likely to be in the first stages of a ‘top-to-bottom review of the market power’ and is pointing it at the giant tech platforms – Facebook, Amazon, Google and Apple. The anti-trust probe has been initiated
What the US Government is hoping to achieve with the Antitrust Probe Read More »
In the UK, there are no specific laws to shield social media companies from being held accountable for the material which is published on their platforms. The courts, however, have largely allowed them to get away with claims that they are not “publishers” but only provide
The government will eventually, like it or not, police the internet. This is inevitable. The recently published White Paper which warned internet companies very clearly of its intention to set up a new internet regulator is an indication of what social media companies should expect to see in the future. How powerful this regulator will be, will largely depend on how genuine social media companies’ effort to combat intolerance, prevent self-harm and decrease the amount of fake news is.
Why does Facebook ban right-wing extremists Read More »
Bloomberg have reported that Vodafone had discovered ‘hidden back doors’ in Huawei’s home equipment, including an internet router in 2009/2010, that would allow the Chinese company unauthorised access to user’s home and business fixed line networks in Italy. Vodafone has admitted vulnerabilities, which were identified by independent security testing initiated by Vodafone as part of
Bloomberg’s suspicions on Huawei’s hidden ‘back doors’ could be politically motivated Read More »
Internet police author Yair Cohen says I am often asked, how much of a responsibility do we as internet users have, to police the internet ourselves and decide whether we are going to watch certain images or share horror films of live events. After all, the more we share the more we encourage others to commit social media atrocities.
This is a very interesting question. It is easy to blame us, the people, for our part in watching and sharing horrific images via social media. At the same time, people should not be judged too harshly in this regard because after all, we are only human. When we see something that is shocking, something t
Who is responsible for protecting children’s safety online Read More »
The reason why some people allow themselves to say online what they wouldn’t dare saying in person goes back to the early days of the internet, where there was a perception that the internet was outside the scope of regulations and policing. It was a free space where people could do whatever they wanted; free speech was king, there wasn’t a government and in fact,
Freedom of Speech and Online Harassment Read More »
This week, Yair Cohen was interviewed on Al Jazeera TV and was asked by the host: ‘Do you think that the expectations of the egalitarian nature of the internet were too high?’ Yair: ‘I think that the internet, in the early days, was seen almost as an anarchistic place. The idea of the bureaucracy meant
Can the internet ever be policed? Read More »
Google is not the sole decision makers of whether you can have information about you removed from the internet under a right to be forgotten. People should not give up so quickly with their applications to remove links from the internet
More hope under a Right to be Forgotten Read More »
Katie Price is certainly a controversial figure who doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind. But does this necessarily make her a fair target to online abuse?
She doesn’t think so and i’m supporting her. Katie Price and her children have been suffering from online abuse and harassment far before many members of Parliament started to recognised online harassment and abuse as an issue worth discussing.
Is online abuse a criminal offence? Read More »
To fully understand Google’s culpability, we need to understand Google’s age restrictions policies in relation to YouTube and in relation to Google’s mobile phone operating system Android, which accounts to about 80% of the of the new mobile phone sales and which is where most YouTube videos are being watched.
So, starting with YouTube age restriction policy, and this is this is very important, Google’s officially says that YouTube users must be either 18 years sold, or 13 y
Why your child might not be safe on YouTube Read More »
Moving away from self-policing does not necessarily mean the creation of ‘thought police’ or a ‘snooping unit’, but rather it is intended to make people feel safer online and bring our police into the twenty-first century.
It is possible to regulate the internet despite its global nature Read More »
Data collection by social media companies and the misuse of it have been making rounds in the news recently. People love social media because it serves as a platform for free speech and helps them connect with one another.
Fake news, social media and brainwash Read More »
The digital community is coming to earth and rules here may now apply in the online society. How will this change the interactive community? Should you be worried?
Should tech companies provide governments with access to encrypted data? Read More »
Internet lawyer Yair Cohen said that Facebook relies on its hugely complicated, ever changing terms and conditions, which it knows nobody reads. Consent needs to be of clear and coherent and informed and anyone who ever tried to look at any of Facebook’s terms and conditions or tried to change the settings of Facebook privacy settings will know that its terms and conditions are anything but coherent and clear.
Harassment lawyer Yair Cohen took on the case after the police would not help for nearly 13 years. Paul Currant and Currant Consulting have agreed to pay damages to the their victim and also to pay her legal costs. They also agreed to never harass her again in an order which was approved by the court.
Lindsey Goldrick Dean Wins Freedom After 13 Years of Harassment Read More »
Victim of online harassment speaks out about her expeirence with the police. Can online harassment victims trust the police to help them? Interview by harassment solicitor Yair Cohen
Is a Facebook fan page administrator liable under GDPR? according to the European Court, an administrator of a fan page on Facebook is jointly responsible, together with Facebook for processing data of visitors to the Facebook fan page.
Administrators of Facebook fan pages are liable under GDPR Read More »
Interestingly, support for the idea that anonymous posting should be phased out has come from an unexpected source. Back in 2011 Facebook’s former marketing director Randi Zuckerberg and Google head Eric Schmidt have both been quoted to suggest that anonymous posting should be made a thing of the past
Disclosing the identity of internet trolls and cyber-bullies Read More »
Yair Cohen, a partner at Cohen Davis Solicitors, discusses the pros and cons of self-regulation and considers why the current taxation system is unfair. To understand the reasons behind the need to end the special treatment tech and social media companies receive by the UK and other Western governments, both, in terms of general regulations
Why tech and social media companies should face stricter regulation and pay more tax Read More »
