Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

15-year-old boy arrested over TalkTalk hack sues three newspapers for breach of privacy

Injunctions have also been granted against Google and Twitter in a bid to remove reference to details of the boy.

Ashley Cowburn
Sunday 08 November 2015 13:51 GMT
Comments
15,600 of TalkTalk's customers had their bank account numbers and sort codes stolen.
15,600 of TalkTalk's customers had their bank account numbers and sort codes stolen. (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 15-year-old schoolboy arrested in connection with the TalkTalk cyber-attack is suing three national newspapers for alleged breach of privacy.

The boy, from Northern Ireland, was questioned last month by police investigating the hack on the phone and broadband provider. TalkTalk has said that nearly 157,000 of its customers’ personal details were accessed and more than 15,600 bank account numbers and sort codes were stolen.

The teenager was among four people to be detained in connection with the probe. He was released on bail after being interviewed on suspicion of offences under the computer misuse act.

Reports in RTE claim the boy’s lawyers are suing the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail and the Sun. They have also opened legal proceedings against internet giants Google and Twitter. His lawyers have issued writs claiming negligence, misuse of private information, defamation, breach of confidence and data protection.

Mr Justice O’Hara has also granted injunctions against Google and Twitter in a bid to remove any reference to the boy’s personal details, including his name, address and any images or information relating to his physical appearance.

On Friday reporting restrictions were partially lifted by a judge at the high court in Belfast, meaning some of the details of the case can be disclosed.

The case is due to be heard again in December.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in