Harris ‘Considering Further Action’ Over Fake X Ads

When you get that MAGA feeling…

imon Harris has warned X that he is “considering further action” after a series of fake adverts using his image appeared on the social network site.

The taoiseach described the use of his images as “deeply disturbing” given that it can often be part of a scam where people lose money.

The ads claimed to be from The Irish Independent, who have also raised concerns with X about the fake adverts using their branding.

Harris told the newspaper, “The use of my images on a number of online scam ads is deeply concerning, given the aim of fraudsters involved is to exploit people, which can lead to serious consequences, including financial loss.

“Social media companies need to take this seriously and protect those using their websites from falling victims to this despicable act.”

The scandal follows incoming taoiseach Micheál Martin taking action against Google after he had “fake and defamatory” ads linked to him. The High Court has ordered the multinational to hand over all information relating to the adverts.

Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan recently won her five-year High Court action against Facebook over several defamatory and untrue adverts posted on the social media platform, with Meta Platforms Ireland agreeing to establish an additional scam and reporting tool to allow Irish users to report details of misleading adverts to a specialist team within Facebook.

“I believe as a government we also need to examine how laws can be strengthened following a number of high-profile cases that seek to deceive people,” Harris concluded.

“I will ensure this is something that is assessed in the time ahead.”