Government must stand up to tech giants, says TD

The security of Irish citizens, including those working in sensitive military roles, is being put at risk because regulators have failed to rein in Big Tech, a Dublin TD has warned.

Social Democrats media spokesperson Sinéad Gibney said the government must finally stand up to the tech giants when it comes to safeguarding people’s personal data.

“The Data Protection Commission has completely let us down when it comes to protecting our privacy,” she said.

“It is clear as day that our regulators are wholly unable to take on Big Tech.”

Her comments follow a recent Primetime Investigates programme, which revealed how personal data sold online could be used to track individuals going in and out of secure military bases.

According to Deputy Gibney, the risks are stark.

“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,” she said.

She added that the state had a dual obligation — both to protect citizens from malicious actors and to safeguard those who carry out crucial work for Ireland’s defence.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Deputy Gibney confirmed she has written to Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris, calling on him to allow Dáil statements on what she described as a threat to national security.

She also pledged to use her role on the Oireachtas Media Committee to push the issue further, saying she will request the attendance of major technology companies — including Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and X — to answer questions about their collection, purchase, and sale of data.