Facebook, Google and Twitter 'face growing legal claims in Ireland'

Libel lawyer says US tech firms basing international operations in the country will see 'flurry of activity' in coming months

Tech companies including Twitter, Google and Facebook are facing a wave of legal actions in Ireland because of their decision to base their international operations in the country, a leading libel lawyer has said.

Paul Tweed told the Guardian his firm Johnsons had seen a "steady, if not dramatic, increase in claims against Facebook, Google and Twitter" as well as other social networks. He said there were several new claims a week on issues including privacy, libel and harassment.