Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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434. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider putting in place a requirement on the operators of internet applications that would ensure real, genuine and informed consent by users regarding the collection of data and the implications thereof, specifically on whether or not they consent to the distribution of their data to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49640/25]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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435. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the sale of data gathered by internet applications to third parties is in compliance with the general data protection regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49641/25]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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497. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that will be introduced to protect the privacy of mobile and landline phone users in view of recent concerns regarding the harvesting of information by digital marketing and advertising industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50509/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 434, 435 and 497 together.

I share the Deputies' concerns about recent allegations concerning breaches of the GDPR in relation to the selling of personal data by data brokers.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides comprehensive EU wide protections for the personal data of EU citizens, including what constitutes the lawful processing of personal data based on the consent of individuals or other legal grounds. Given the cross-border nature of digital data flows, often involving organisations based in multiple EU and non-EU jurisdictions, regulation at EU level provides more robust safeguards. I am advised that, at this juncture, there is no indication that additional legislation is required to deal with the issues raised. This will be kept under review.

Officials from my Department have met with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in relation to the serious issues raised and will continue to engage on this important matter. I understand that the DPC is treating this matter very seriously and is currently engaging with RTE to establish the identity of the data broker(s) concerned, critical information which will inform the further actions to be undertaken by the DPC. I would encourage anyone with evidence in relation to the sale of precise location data of individuals to contact the Data Protection Commission.

In addition to the DPC’s investigation, I am informed that the DPC are reviewing what further guidance they can publish on the protection of personal data in the circumstances concerned.