> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.nupath.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Ireland’s medieval law blocks Big Tech class actions in Europe
- URL: https://www.nupath.eu/irelands-medieval-law-blocks-big-tech-class-actions-in-europe/
- Published: 2026-08-25T05:03:53.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-25T05:03:53.000Z
- Author: Christian Triantafillou Schade
- Tags: News, Ireland, #source_Politico

An Irish law from 1634, prohibiting third-party funding of lawsuits, is preventing non-profits from launching class actions against Big Tech firms in Europe. The restriction, rooted in medieval concepts of maintenance and champerty, limits collective redress under the EU’s 2020 Representative Actions Directive. Ireland is the only EU country enforcing this ban, which activists argue undermines accountability for tech giants. **(POLITICO)**

[How a 17th-century Irish law is shielding Big Tech from class actions in Europe](https://www.politico.eu/article/17th-century-ireland-law-shielding-big-tech-class-actions-europe/?utm%5Fsource=RSS%5FFeed&utm%5Fmedium=RSS&utm%5Fcampaign=RSS%5FSyndication) (Politico)