Last week's "RTÉ Investigates" programme on data sharing and the sharing of personal geolocation data by individuals through the downloading of apps was shocking and disquieting. People the length and breadth of this country are downloading apps and making consents, which are not real or informed, to allow third parties not only to gather hugely personal and invasive information about them but then to sell it to third parties without the knowledge of the person who has downloaded the app. Does the Minister agree that it cannot possibly be in compliance with the general data protection regulation or with our own data protection laws? If there is not informed consent and people do not understand they are giving that consent, it cannot be in accordance with data protection. What is the Government going to do to ensure that the providers of these apps are required to get informed and real consent from the people using them?

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I know he featured in the programme. I had a walk-on part as well. The Data Protection Commission is treating this matter seriously and is investigating it. The officials in my Department are engaging with the commission, which is required by law to ensure that it investigates matters such as this if it believes what is involved infringes upon the data rights of individuals. Part of the problem, as the Deputy identified, is that there is not sufficient awareness on the part of individuals that when they link to certain apps, they are providing ongoing information in respect of their movements. I want the Data Protection Commission to investigate the issue and I want a report from it in respect of what it identifies. I share the Deputy's concern.