Sun apologises to actor Qasim Akhtar in the High Court today. Daniel Taylor of Taylor Hampton appeared on behalf of the actor.

News Group Newspapers, publisher of The Sun, has agreed to pay substantial damages, together with legal costs, to actor Qasim Akhtar to settle his High Court libel claim. The settlement was announced in a Statement in Open Court before the High Court in London, where Daniel Taylor of Taylor Hampton appeared on behalf of Mr Akhtar…

Guillain-Barré and COVID-19 Vaccines

Guillain-Barré syndrome (‘GBS’) is a rare neurological condition, which has been recognised as a side effect of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with GBS following vaccination, you may be entitled to obtain compensation…

Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting our health. However, like many other medicinal products, vaccines can on rare occasions cause side effects. Such examples include Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (‘VITT’) and Thrombosis and Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (‘TTS’). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with VITT or TTS following your COVID-19 vaccination, you may be entitled to pursue compensation…

Pericarditis and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Following the Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, there have been reports of cardiac complications as a result of the vaccine, including pericarditis. This article details how individuals who have suffered pericarditis as a result of their Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination can obtain compensation for the harm caused to them…

Data Protection Rights – Data Scraping in light of ‘BrowserGate’

At what point does the practice of ‘data scraping’ breach a user’s right to privacy, and is the information gathered worth the potential legal risks it comes with? This article considers the same in light of a recent investigation into covert data scraping allegedly carried out by the social media platform, LinkedIn…

Myocarditis and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

After the rollout of the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December 2020, reports emerged of individuals suffering complications after administration of the vaccine. This article examines myocarditis in relation to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and the legal avenues available to individuals who have suffered harm following vaccination…

Product Liability claims under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and COVID-19 vaccines

Claims in product liability allow consumers to receive compensation for injury or damage caused by a defective product. There has been a rise in product liability claims linked to pharmaceutical products, which includes claims relating to rare side effects suffered following a COVID-19 vaccination…

Keeping an eye on past conduct: Rodoy v Optical Express Ltd [2026]

On 22 May 2026, judgment was handed down by Griffiths J in the libel claim Rodoy v Optical Express Ltd [2026] EWHC 1219. The judgment is significant for its consideration of the extent to which evidence of a person’s historic conduct can be relied upon in support of a truth defence about allegations made considerably later…

Who is hiring me? The use of AI in workplace recruitment

There is an emerging trend regarding the increased use of Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) to screen job applications. This is where employers utilise AI tools in the hiring process, typically to help review applications more quickly and efficiently. According to a 2025 report by the World Economic Forum, over 88% of companies now integrate AI into…

Taylor Hampton Solicitors is Hiring – Junior Solicitor Or Paralegal

Taylor Hampton Solicitors is an award-winning boutique law firm in the heart of London. Due to the continued expansion of our highly successful Media Law and Litigation Department, we are seeking a talented and motivated Junior Solicitor or Paralegal to join our busy and dynamic team. This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside leading…

Taylor Hampton acted for former Coronation Street Actor Qasim Akhtar in his successful Defamation action against the Sun newspaper.

Taylor Hampton acted for former Coronation Street Actor Qasim Akhtar in his successful Defamation action against the Sun newspaper. The Sun had falsely alleged that Qasim had backed an Islamic cleric, and that through that association he had supported extremism, radicalisation and violence. It also falsely alleged that he had moved to Pakistan and undertaken…

Absolute Privilege and Qualified Privilege

Privilege is a defence which can be utilised to protect an individual’s liability for making defamatory statements in defamation cases. The defence consists of two types of privilege – absolute privilege and qualified privilege. Absolute privilege provides complete protection, whereas qualified privilege is only applied if certain conditions are met.What is Absolute Privilege? Absolute Privilege…

High Court Grants Interim Injunction in Music Rights Dispute: NoCopyrightSounds v AEI Music

The decision in NoCopyrightSounds Limited v AEI Music Limited and Featherstone Music Limited provides an interesting example of the issues that can arise when a rights holder seeks to regain control of the commercial exploitation of its intellectual property following the breakdown of a long-standing distribution relationship.The High Court granted an interim injunction in a…

The battle against fake sexualised images: the case against x.AI

Labour MP for Lowestoft, Jess Asato, filed a claim in the High Court on 3 June 2026 for misuse of private information and breach of data protection against x.AI, after a Grok tool had assisted a user back in January this year in producing fake sexualised images of her in a bikini and a video…

Information Commissioners Office launches investigation into X companies for sexual deepfakes

Throughout the past year, generative-AI technology has significantly advanced in the quality and quantity of outputs, with major expansions in their availability and proliferation of use. While these advancements reflect significant achievements for innovation and the technology industry at large, they have prompted major concerns for protection of individuals’ rights. These AI technological advancements have…

That’s My Opinion: How the defence of honest opinion applies to social media posts

Social media platforms offer users the unique space for everyday individuals to share opinions, views, and experiences instantaneously with a widespread reach. While such developments expand the capability for individuals to engage their freedom of expression, they pose new realities, implications, and challenges for defamation law, which has been practiced in the UK for hundreds…

Lia Perin, Partner at Taylor Hampton was recently  interviewed on Sky TV  in relation to the Marriage at First Sight scandal.  The programme is aired on Channel 4.

Taylor Hampton Solicitors is increasingly recognised for its work supporting individuals involved in television, reality programming and the wider entertainment industry. As scrutiny grows around participant welfare and broadcaster responsibility, legal advice has become an essential part of protecting contributors both during filming and long after production has ended.Reality television may appear glamorous on screen, but…

Taylor Hampton comments on reality TV safeguarding following Married at First Sight allegations

An investigation by BBC’s Panorama revealed allegations that two women had been raped during filming on the reality TV show, while a third alleged a non-consensual sexual act.Channel 4’s chief executive Priya Dogra has said she is “deeply sorry” for the distress of participants on Married At First Sight, although claimed she believed the channel had acted appropriately. The…

BBC Panorama investigates sexual misconduct allegations on Married at First Sight

The BBC documentary series Panorama is to air tonight at 8pm, investigating serious allegations made by participants on the Channel 4 TV show Married at First Sight UK. Reporter Noor Nanji speaks to three women who allege sexual misconduct by their former on-screen husbands, raising serious concerns that the programme’s welfare procedures have failed contributors and left them…

Understanding the UK Government’s Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence

In this article Taylor Hampton Solicitors examines the growing interest and concerns surrounding copyright and artificial intelligence in light of a recent Government consultation. On 13 January 2025, the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced an Action Plan to help the UK become an “AI superpower”. Then, on 18 March 2026, following a public…

The Children’s Wellbeing and School’s Bill

Amendment number 94A In this Update Taylor Hampton Solicitors explain the Bill’s amendment at what is an important time for safeguarding the young sector in the use of social media. For more information about Taylor Hampton Solicitors’ Media Law Sector see: /legal-services/media-law/ What is the Bill? Has a broad range of aims and measures to…

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025: Update from Taylor Hampton Solicitors

In this article on The Data Act 2025, we explain aspects of Data Protection Law as follows:- Royal assent – 19 June 2025 Introduces reforms to UK data protection framework to assist organisations in using personal data responsibly Makes changes to: United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation Data Protection Act 2018 Privacy and Electronic Communications…

Taylor Hampton in the News

Daniel Taylor of Taylor Hampton quoted in the i newspaper on this week’s landmark US verdict against tech giants Google and Meta re Social Media ruling “opens floodgates for UK challenges”! Article Link: https://app.inews.co.uk/full_page_image/27-03-2026-page-5_55fe07fa/content.html…

Landmark US ruling on social media addiction prompts UK legal scrutiny

What is the US based ruling on social media? A significant jury verdict in the United States has placed renewed focus on the responsibilities of major technology platforms. In a recent case, jurors found that Meta and Google, as owner of YouTube, acted with serious wrongdoing in the way their platforms and algorithms were designed…

Upcoming Changes to English Language Requirements for Settlement Applications

The UK Government has announced upcoming changes to the English language requirements for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain or “ILR”) applications. As such, new standards will take effect from 26 March 2027. Therefore applicants have time to prepare and ensure they meet the updated criteria for permanent residence in the UK. Additionally, the announcement forms part…

When Reality Gets Litigious: Why reality TV Stars are suing production companies

Reality television thrives on the fascination of ‘real people’ being placed in heightened, often extreme, situations. However, behind the perfected edits and jaw dropping cliffhangers is a complex tangle of contracts, waivers and production practices which are increasingly coming under legal scrutiny. In more recent years, reality TV stars have started to challenge the legal…

The Reddit Data Privacy Fine: What Do UK Media Businesses Need To Know?

This article explains aspects of data privacy for UK media companies and organisations following a recent ruling from the UK’s data watchdog. What is Reddit? Reddit is an online discussion platform where millions of users share news, content, and participate in discussions across thousands of communities called subreddits. Since being founded in 2005, Reddit has…

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025

Royal assent – 19 June 2025 Introduces reforms to UK data protection framework to assist organisations in using personal data responsibly Makes changes to: United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation Data Protection Act 2018 Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) Minor relaxation of data protection requirements- streamline data protection laws Most reforms to be…

Super-complaints under the Online Safety Act 2023

Update regarding Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Amendment number 94A

What is the Bill? Has a broad range of aims and measures to improve safeguarding and education for children in the UK; and Some reforms include mandating free breakfast clubs and creating better support for children in care. What is amendment number 94A? Amendment specifically targets the use of social media by children; Put forward…

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Privacy Rights in relation to Criminal Investigations

The front page news and rolling coverage, led by the BBC, which accompanied the arrest this week of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, had echoes of the same news organisation’s coverage of a police raid on the home of Sir Cliff Richard back in 2014. On that occasion the BBC ended up being ordered by…

At a glance: Super-Complaints Regime

Research Resources: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/online-safety-super-complaints Commences on 1 January 2026 Online Safety Act- eligible organisations representing users of regulated online services or the public to raise a ‘super-complaint’ with Ofcom. Ofcom Independent regulator for communications in the UK Oversees telecommunications, post, broadcasting, and online services sectors Regulator of the Online Safety Act 2023 What is a super-complaint?…

The Future? Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property, An Unresolved Question of Training Data

The legal landscape is shifting rapidly and unevenly across jurisdictions. In the UK, the government is required to publish a full report on AI and copyright by March 2026, potentially introducing an opt-out model similar to the EU framework. In the US, the outcome of “Andersen v. Stability AI” will offer the first jury-tested assessment…

US Litigation: When Machines Learn from Art and The Legal Battle Over AI Training Data

Across the Atlantic, related proceedings continue to gather pace. In Andersen v. Stability AI Ltd., 700 F. Supp. 3d 853 (N.D. Cal. 2023), a group of visual artists including Sarah Andersen, Kelly McKernan and Karla Ortiz filed a class action in January 2023 against Stability AI, Midjourney and DeviantArt. The artists alleged that their works…

Copyright Law in the Age of Algorithms, The Case Reshaping Creative Rights

Introduction The meeting point of artificial intelligence and intellectual property law has become one of the critical legal questions of the digital age. At the centre of that debate, currently, sits Getty Images (US) Inc & Ors v Stability AI Limited [2025] EWHC 2863 (Ch), a case that arrived with enormous promise for rights holders…

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Myocarditis and Pericarditis

Introduction There are various remedies available for those who have suffered myocarditis or pericarditis following an injection of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. At Taylor Hampton, we offer expert legal assistance and advice in relation to obtaining remedies to compensate you for your injuries. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer…

Taylor Hampton Immigration: Leena Chouhan Update on Family Visas

In this article our Head of Immigration, Leena Chouhan presents the seven-year child route for UK Immigration applicants with children. What is the seven-year child route? Under the Home Office Private Life rules and Appendix Settlement Family Life and Private Life, a child who has lived in the UK continuously for at least seven years…

High-Profile Privacy Claims Against the Daily Mail: Inside the ANL “Unlawful Information Gathering” Trial

Seven high-profile individuals are bringing claims against Associated Newspapers Limited (“ANL”), the publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, and MailOnline. The Claimants include Price Harry, Duke of Sussex; Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish; Elizabeth Hurley; Baroness Lawerence of Clarendon; Sir Simon Hughes; and Sadie Frost. They allege that ANL used…

Art criticism and honest opinion

Artists and Reputations In 1877, the brand-new Grosvenor Gallery in London held an exhibition of modern artwork that had not made it into the Royal Academy. The exhibition, far from being a second rate club of rejects, included several well-renowned artists of the time, including several members of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. And set in the…

Westminster Debate Challenges Government’s 10-Year Settlement Proposal

In this article our Head of Immigration Leena Chouhan discusses the Westminster Debate around UK immigration and 10-year settlement. MPs mounted a unified challenge to the Government’s proposed immigration reforms today, with backbenchers across the political spectrum opposing retrospective changes to indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The Westminster Hall debate exposed deep concerns about fairness,…

The Associated Newspapers Limited Trial: Current Developments

The trial against Associated Newspapers Limited (“ANL”), publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, and MailOnline, commenced in January 2026 and has attracted significant public attention. The proceedings are brought by seven claimants, including Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex; Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish; Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE, Elizabeth Hurley,…

Making sense of sole responsibility for child visas in UK immigration law

When a parent moves to the United Kingdom and a child remains overseas, UK immigration law applies a strict starting point. The assumption is that the child should stay abroad unless specific legal tests are met. One of the most important is the sole responsibility test. This area of law is complex. It is also…

Taylor Hampton in the Courts – Week Commencing 26 January 2026

Taylor Hampton is acting for two of the five test claimants (former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, Camilla Sacre-Dallerup, and former business partner to Sophie Rhys-Jones and publicist, Murray Harkin) in respect of a Trial of a Preliminary Issue (“TPI”) listed for the next two weeks on the matter of limitation in the Mirror Newspapers…

Setting Aside Judgments for Fraud

It has long been a principle of English law that, once proven, fraud invalidates judgments, as well as contracts and all transactions whatsoever, perhaps best encapsulated by Lord Denning in Lazarus Estates Ltd v Beasley [1956] 1 Q.B. 702, in which he memorably stated as follows: “No court in this land will allow a person…

Kenevan v TikTok

A group of British parents are bringing a wrongful death lawsuit against the social media platform TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, seeking accountably for the deaths of their children and demanding transparency over what the platform showed them before they died. Background The five families bringing the lawsuit claim that Isaac Kenevan (aged 13),…

Taylor Hampton in the news following its client Janice Dickinson serving proceedings on ITV

Taylor Hampton Solicitors is representing supermodel Janice Dickinson in a major High Court claim against ITV, for an amount to be determined by the court. Following the recent service of proceedings, this case highlights the critical responsibilities broadcasters hold regarding participant safety and medical care. The Incident As reported by outlets like the Daily Mail,…

A Longer Route to Settlement under the Earned Settlement Scheme

The UK government has proposed a major shift in how people qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Instead of fixed paths of five or ten years towards settlement, the new Earned Settlement Scheme creates a longer baseline requirement that could extend residence requirements up to 30 years in some cases. This will affect most…

Reputation management in an online world

Reputation management, especially as the media landscape undertakes a rapid change in light of emerging advanced technologies, requires a case by case approach. There needs to be a clear understanding of the specific personnel involved, an appreciation of the ramifications of taking a certain course, and an acknowledgement of any extenuating circumstances which might impact…

Obtaining compensation for COVID-19 vaccine injuries

Taylor Hampton offers legal support for individuals suffering from injuries following their COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine injuries For the vast majority of people, vaccines are extremely safe. They are vital for protecting individuals and communities from serious diseases. However, a small number of individuals may experience rare adverse drug reactions following their vaccinations. During the COVID-19…

Selective Quoting: An Ageless Art or Deceitful Tactic?

Selective quoting is an age-old art. Using someone else’s words to benefit one’s own narrative has long been a tactic used in journalism and political discourse. With the ever-growing ability to publish information in an instant and clip, edit and broadcast to million of people in seconds, the potential for reputational damage has grown exponentially.…

Getty Images v Stability AI – Green light for Getty to appeal AI decision

In November of last year, one of the most hotly anticipated judgments was handed down by the Courts in the case of Getty Images v Stability AI. This was the first major ruling which considered how trademark and copyright laws apply to the use of generative AI models in the UK. The judgment was delivered…

Taylor Hampton client successful in resisting application to set aside libel judgment

Taylor Hampton client Tamim Rashed has successfully resisted an application to have the libel judgment previously obtained by him (/press-release-concerning-defamation-proceedings-brought-by-mr-tamim-rashed-against-mr-peter-deane/) set aside by the Defendant to those proceedings, Peter Deane. Background The background to the underlying proceedings was that Mr Deane had published a number of posts on his LinkedIn page which were highly defamatory…

MAC recommends keeping Skilled Worker salary threshold

MAC recommends keeping Skilled Worker salary threshold at £41,700 In this update by Leena Chouhan, Head of Immigration, we examine the MAC committee approach to skilled worker salary levels. The Migration Advisory Committee has published its long awaited review of salary requirements for UK work visas. Indeed, the report completes a commission from former Home…