The government must stand up to tech giants when it comes to securing our data, according to Social Democrats media spokesperson Sinéad Gibney.
Deputy Gibney said:
“The Data Protection Commission has completely let us down when it comes to protecting our privacy – it is clear as day that our regulators are wholly unable to take on Big Tech.
“Lack of enforcement is not just a procedural problem – we know from Primetime Investigates that data sold online can be used to track people in and out of secure military bases.
“The failure to protect our data means that those working in military settings, who may be privy to key information on national security, can be tracked to their home addresses.
“We don’t just have a duty to protect these people from malicious actors as citizens, we have a duty to protect them as people who undertake a great service for the state.
“It is deeply disturbing that malicious non-state and state actors don’t even have to employ any level of espionage to access this information.
“Due to the failure to regulate Big Tech and their eagerness to sell our most intimate data for a quick buck, this information is freely available for sale.
“I have written to the Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris to take Dáil statements on this threat to our national security.
“As part of my work on the Media Committee, I will be requesting the attendance of big tech companies – including Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and X – to face questioning on their collection, purchase, and sale of data.”
September 23rd, 2025