Brexit: 'Surge' in searches on Irish passports, says Google

Google has said there was a dramatic spike in searches for Irish passport applications as news of the UK's decision to leave the EU broke.

The overwhelming majority of the searches came from Northern Ireland.

The search giant also reported more searches for "what happens if we leave the EU" around midnight on 23 June and for other phrases like "British independence day" and "Norway EU" .

One expert cautioned that the data does not reveal actual volumes of searches.

On the financial implications, Google Trends said it had recorded the highest-ever search interest in sterling.

During the early hours of the morning, the pound fell by more than 10% - to a level not seen since 1985 - before slightly rebounding.

 

Author: 
BBC