Written by John Robertson is no stranger to adversity. A fierce advocate for justice, transparency, and accountability, he has inspired many through his work championing the rights of whistleblowers, litigants in person, and those unfairly silenced. Over the years, John has become a beacon of hope for those fighting against the odds, providing a voice to the voiceless and ensuring that corruption and systemic failures do not go unnoticed. But now, the tables have turned, and John finds himself under attack—not only in the courtroom but on digital platforms meant to foster open discourse.
This is not just John’s fight. It is a battle for free speech, fairness, and the principles of democracy—principles that affect us all, whether we realise it or not.
A Champion of Accountability
John Robertson has always been a relentless defender of the underdog. As a former managing director and now a litigant in person, he has dedicated his life to exposing systemic failings in our justice system. Whether challenging powerful corporations, exposing regulatory inertia, or helping others navigate complex legal battles, John’s commitment to justice has remained steadfast. He has been unwavering in his efforts to hold institutions accountable, often at great personal cost.
However, this very commitment has made him a target. In December 2024, John faced deplatforming from LinkedIn, a platform he had used to amplify voices of the disenfranchised and call out corruption. His removal from the platform was a stark reminder of how easily powerful entities can silence dissent under the guise of “policy enforcement.” It was a move that sent shockwaves through his community of supporters, many of whom relied on his insights and advocacy.
For years, LinkedIn had been a crucial space for John to highlight injustices, share his experiences, and connect with others fighting similar battles. To remove his voice from such a platform was not just a personal loss but a broader attack on transparency and the free exchange of ideas. It begged the question: Who benefits when voices like John’s are silenced?
The LinkedIn Debacle: Silencing a Voice of Truth
The allegations against John—that his posts constituted bullying—are as baseless as they are laughable. Those who know him understand that John’s critiques are rooted in evidence and driven by a passion for justice. His approach has always been direct but respectful, a combination that has won him admiration from those who value honesty and accountability. Yet LinkedIn, perhaps swayed by powerful interests, saw fit to deplatform him without transparent explanation.
John has since lodged a complaint with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) and, in turn, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), citing the mishandling of his personal data and the lack of transparency in LinkedIn’s actions. In a letter dated 1 January 2025, the DPC advised John to pursue his complaint with the ICO, citing jurisdictional complexities under the GDPR. This bureaucratic maze illustrates the challenges faced by individuals standing up to multinational corporations. While this adds a procedural layer to John’s battle, it also underscores the systemic flaws that individuals like him face when seeking justice.
The removal of John from LinkedIn’s ecosystem is symptomatic of a broader issue. Platforms like LinkedIn, once envisioned as spaces for professional discourse and networking, increasingly serve as gatekeepers of information. This centralisation of control allows powerful interests to wield undue influence, often at the expense of those exposing uncomfortable truths.
A Legal Case That Exposes Deeper Systemic Failures
John’s legal battles go beyond LinkedIn. His current case against Synova LLP and its Data Protection Officer, Daniel Silverton-Parker, lays bare the institutional failures that enable the suppression of whistleblowers. The claim highlights:
- Mishandling of Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs): Including failures to meet statutory timelines and omissions of critical information related to whistleblowing.
- Defamation and Hostile Conduct: False narratives suggesting health issues, undermining John’s professional reputation.
- Breaches of UK GDPR and DPA 2018: Including unauthorised access to sensitive personal data and a lack of transparency.
- Retaliation for Whistleblowing: Systemic exclusion, public ridicule, and orchestrated efforts to undermine his credibility.
These issues are not isolated. They reflect a justice system that often favours those with deep pockets and institutional clout over those seeking accountability. The systemic hurdles faced by whistleblowers and litigants in person in the UK are immense, with procedural complexities and power imbalances creating significant barriers to justice.
John’s case is a microcosm of these challenges, exposing not only the specific failings of Synova LLP but also the broader failings of regulatory bodies meant to protect individuals like him. His fight is emblematic of the courage required to stand up against entrenched systems of power—a fight that many others would shy away from.
The Wider Implications: What John’s Fight Means for All of Us
John’s case is more than a personal fight. It is a rallying cry for those who believe in justice and the power of free speech. His deplatforming from LinkedIn is emblematic of a wider trend—one where platforms increasingly prioritise the interests of the powerful over the voices of the vulnerable. It raises pressing questions about the responsibilities of digital platforms in safeguarding open discourse and the rights of individuals to speak truth to power.
For whistleblowers and litigants in person, platforms like LinkedIn offer a critical space to share their stories, garner support, and expose corruption. Silencing voices like John’s not only stifles discourse but also erodes trust in these platforms as neutral facilitators of professional dialogue. It sends a chilling message to others who might consider speaking out: that the cost of truth-telling may be too high.
This is not just about LinkedIn or John. It is about the integrity of our democratic principles and the role of technology in upholding them. If platforms fail to protect those who expose wrongdoing, they risk becoming complicit in perpetuating the very systems of corruption they claim to stand against.
Standing with John: A Call to Action
Now, more than ever, we must stand with John Robertson. His fight is our fight. It is a fight for transparency, accountability, and the fundamental right to speak truth to power. Whether by demanding his reinstatement on LinkedIn, amplifying his story, or supporting his legal case, there are steps we can all take.
John’s courage reminds us of what is at stake: a justice system that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. As British citizens, we must demand better—from our regulators, our platforms, and our institutions. The fight for justice cannot be waged alone. It requires collective effort and unwavering resolve.
John’s battle is a reminder of the price of advocacy but also of its importance. His resilience, even in the face of immense challenges, serves as an inspiration to all who value fairness and accountability. By standing with John, we affirm our commitment to these principles and ensure that his fight is not in vain.
John will be in court vs Synova LLP soon. He invites you to come watch David beat Goliath.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. Readers should seek professional legal guidance for specific cases.
Yet another example of the rich , powerful and corrupt ( and any combination of those three , always including corrupt ) of silencing those that seek to out and expose these individuals or organisations , those that may not be in the privileged financial position to employ a usually prohibitively expensive legal team , a majority of whom are either incompetent or corrupt themselves , or have indeed been let down by the law enforcement agencies whom neglect their duty of bringing to book criminals particularly corporate criminals citing incorrectly it is a civil matter ,
People like John Robertson are a beacon of hope against these devious and odious individuals and organisations , he was and is an obvious target to silence , the truth hurts most and his targets of justice know this , they also know and this is important , that John Robertson is dedicated to bring them to account , and they know given a voice he will
Hello
Ive just registered, and read Johns story, I’ve very personal experience of nearly exactly what he has/is going through, but without the linkedin story, I like him are a LIP, Ive gone through six years of being down trodden, however just like John I am resourceful and determined to fight for justice. Would it be possible to get Johns contact details please, to see if there is something we each have experience in, which may in turn help each other going forwards?
Thanks