Sex offender challenges Facebook to remove page on paedophiles

A convicted sex offender has launched a legal bid to force Facebook to remove a page set up to monitor paedophiles in Northern Ireland, according to BBC News.



The man, who cannot be identified, is also seeking an injunction to stop his photograph and details from appearing on the social networking site.



He claims the case is urgent because he is at real and immediate risk.



The BBC said proceedings were brought before the High Court over the Facebook page, 'Keeping our kids safe from predators'.



The man, known only as XY, as he was granted anonymity in court, is currently out on licence after serving a prison sentence for sexual offences.



Following his release, he discovered his photo and threatening comments had been posted online.



Justice McCloskey, the judge hearing the case said that “he deposes to fear and anxiety. He avers that there is a marked change of attitude on the part of his neighbours.”



The man, who said he was in poor health, wants Facebook Ireland Ltd to terminate the accounts of anyone operating the page.



His lawyers argue that the company should also be restrained from permitting those responsible from publishing, distributing, broadcasting or disseminating any further information about him on the site.



Meanwhile, Facebook has already removed the man's photograph and comments made about him.



A lawyer for the company argued that the further relief being sought was neither necessary nor proportionate.



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