The Defamation (Amendment) Act 2024 was signed into law on 19 February 2026, marking the most significant overhaul of Irish defamation law since 2009 and the end of a decade-long road to reform.
Following the signing of the Defamation (Amendment) Act (Commencement) Order 2026, the majority of the reforms took effect from 1 March 2026. Provisions relating to abusive proceedings against public participation – SLAPP – as well as the introduction of specific court powers to invite parties to defamation proceedings to consider ADR, together with associated costs consequences, will be commenced separately. The Act will not apply retrospectively.
All content providers, particularly those operating as online platforms, should review their internal processes to ensure they are well-placed to meet the likely impact of the Act. We expect the new Act will bring about a materially different defamation landscape in Ireland, defined by fewer (but generally more substantive) claims and greater
