Data Protection Bill and Cambridge Analytica
Deputy Ó Laoghaire argued that stronger statutory limits were needed on firms like Cambridge Analytica and criticised a government amendment as insufficient. The Minister for Justice said he had already tabled amendments, the Seanad debate would resume, and he was open to further changes to protect privacy and democracy.
Ar an ábhar céanna, cé go n-aontaím leis an mBille sin, is dóigh liom go bhfuil i bhfad níos mó ag teastáil. Maidir leis an raic atá ann faoi Cambridge Analytica, mura gcuirfear srian reachtúil ar na comhlachtaí seo, cuirfidh an chumhacht atá acu alltacht agus sceon ar dhaoine. Tá an Bille um Chosaint Sonraí 2018 ag dul trí Thithe an Oireachtais faoi láthair. The Department of Justice and Equality yesterday published an amendment to section 43 of the Data Protection Bill, ostensibly to the end of restraining companies such as Cambridge Analytica. However, the amendment is not good enough. It does not properly define when data can be used for political purposes and, as it stands, leaves the data of citizens wide open to abuse. Consent is key. Citizens should know for what purpose their data is being gathered and used. Ba chóir don Aire, an Teachta Flanagan, athdhréachtú iomlán a dhéanamh ar an mBille. Does the Taoiseach accept that the provisions as currently drafted, including the new amendment, in regard to data use for political purposes are contrary to the European general data protection regulation, GDPR? What protections will the Government offer to ensure people are protected from abuse of their data?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. It is essential that Members do all we can to ensure there is no manipulation of voters nor any undermining of the fundamentals of our democratic system. The Deputy is correct that the Data Protection Bill is currently going through the Seanad. I have tabled several amendments to the Bill and understand that debate on it will resume tomorrow. I am on the record of the Seanad as stating that I am open to several amendments. I hope that we can work together to ensure that we have the best possible legislation that will protect the privacy of citizens and I look forward to completing matters in the Seanad and having the legislation brought before this House at the earliest opportunity.