A coalition focused on privacy has urged the Irish government to halt the development of a pre-draft bill aimed at allowing law enforcement access to encrypted messages.
Ryan Polk, a representative of the Global Encryption Coalition (GEC), which advocates for encryption globally, wrote an open letter on Thursday, expressing concern that legislation proposed by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan could lead to a rise in cybercrime and drive businesses away from the country.
“Any nation that compromises encryption endangers the privacy and security of individuals far beyond its borders. Ireland, with many major tech companies’ EU headquarters, including Apple and Meta, carries particular responsibility,” he stated.
The Communications, Interception and Lawful Access Bill is still in the planning stage, with drafting expected in the next few months, according to Polk. The Global Encryption Coalition is calling for the legislation to be abandoned immediately.
This letter follows closely after a separate EU Chat Control bill, which seeks to allow authorities to scan messages prior to encryption, faced significant resistance due to Germany’s opposition.
The coalition has also encouraged Ireland to retract its support for the Chat Control proposal over concerns about privacy and national security.
The end of encryption is a national security threat
Polk contends that weakening encryption will expose individuals and businesses to greater risks from cybercrime, including fraud and identity theft, as it’s a misconception that encryption can be made weaker just for the “good guys” without also enabling access for malicious actors.
Moreover, he noted that it would also put sensitive data at risk from foreign cyberattacks, compromising national security.
“Encryption is a vital security feature; any intentional weakening or circumvention creates systemic vulnerabilities that endanger all and jeopardize Ireland’s national security,” added Polk.
Ireland hosts many of the world’s largest tech firms, attracted by the country’s favorable location, which provides easier access to European and American markets, along with its low corporate tax rates.
Polk stated that platforms offering end-to-end encryption would face a daunting decision if the bill is enacted, either compromising their service’s security to comply or exiting the Irish market entirely.
“In either scenario, the outcome would be diminished security and reduced privacy for Irish citizens, businesses, and institutions relying on encryption to maintain trust in the digital landscape, including Irish government ministers and the gardaí themselves.”
EU Chat control, different issue, same problem
In addition to opposing the local legislation, the GEC is urging the Irish government to withdraw its backing for the EU Chat Control law, which mandates that messaging services screen messages before they are encrypted and transmitted.
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The leader of Germany’s largest political party recently opposed this measure, causing further complications.
Nonetheless, the GEC emphasized that Ireland could significantly influence the future of the Chat Control proposal when it takes on the EU Council’s presidency in July 2026.
The coalition asserts that it is crucial for the government not to “underestimate the serious repercussions of compromising encryption – as demonstrated by the current local proposal,” as the “privacy and security of all European citizens, and beyond, will be endangered.”
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