Irish Government Urged to Halt Encryption Legislation Amid Privacy Concerns

According to Cointelegraph, a privacy coalition has called on the Irish government to cease efforts on a pre-draft bill that would allow law enforcement access to encrypted messages. Ryan Polk, representing the Global Encryption Coalition (GEC), expressed concerns in an open letter about the proposed legislation by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan. Polk warned that such measures could escalate cybercrime and deter businesses from establishing operations in Ireland. He emphasized that undermining encryption could threaten privacy and security globally, particularly as Ireland hosts the EU headquarters of major tech companies like Apple and Meta. The Communications, Interception and Lawful Access Bill is still in its preliminary stages, with drafting anticipated to begin in the coming months. The GEC is advocating for the abandonment of this legislation. This appeal follows Germany's recent opposition to the EU Chat Control bill, which aims to enable authorities to scan messages before encryption. The coalition has also urged Ireland to retract its support for the Chat Control proposal, citing privacy and national security concerns. Polk argues that weakening encryption would expose individuals and businesses to increased cybercrime risks, such as fraud and identity theft. He contends that it is a misconception to believe encryption can be weakened solely for legitimate purposes without creating vulnerabilities for malicious actors. Additionally, he highlighted that such actions could make sensitive data more susceptible to foreign cyberattacks, compromising national security. Ireland, home to many global tech giants due to its strategic location and favorable tax rates, could face significant challenges if the bill becomes law. Companies offering end-to-end encryption might be forced to weaken their security measures or exit the Irish market, resulting in diminished security and privacy for Irish citizens and institutions. The GEC is also urging the Irish government to reconsider its stance on the EU’s Chat Control law, which mandates message screening before encryption. Germany's largest political party has recently opposed this measure, complicating its progress. The coalition believes Ireland could significantly influence the future of the Chat Control proposal when it assumes the EU Council’s presidency in July 2026. The GEC stresses the importance of not underestimating the severe consequences of weakening encryption, as the privacy and security of European citizens and beyond are at stake.