tl;dr
A coalition of privacy advocates warns Ireland's proposed encryption bill could weaken digital security, drive tech companies away, and set a dangerous precedent for global privacy standards.
**Ireland Urged to Halt Encryption Bill Amid Privacy and Security Concerns**
A coalition of privacy advocates, led by the Global Encryption Coalition (GEC), has called on the Irish government to abandon a proposed pre-draft bill that would grant law enforcement access to encrypted communications. The initiative, spearheaded by Ryan Polk, author at the GEC, warns that such legislation could undermine digital security, increase cybercrime, and drive tech companies away from the country.
The proposed *Communications, Interception and Lawful Access Bill*, still in early stages of development, has drawn sharp criticism from privacy groups. Polk argued in an open letter that weakening encryption would create systemic vulnerabilities, exposing individuals and businesses to fraud, identity theft, and foreign cyberattacks. “Any country that undermines encryption risks threatening the privacy and security of people far beyond its borders,” he wrote. Ireland, home to major tech giants like Apple and Meta, faces particular scrutiny due to its role as a European hub for digital innovation.
Polk emphasized that encryption is a critical safeguard for privacy and national security. “Deliberate weakening or circumvention of encryption creates vulnerabilities that endanger everyone,” he stated, noting that such measures could force tech platforms to either compromise security or exit Ireland. This, he warned, would erode trust in digital services for Irish citizens, businesses, and even government agencies like the Garda.
The GEC’s concerns align with broader European debates over encryption. The coalition also urged Ireland to withdraw support for the EU’s *Chat Control* proposal, which would require messaging services to scan unencrypted messages before they are sent. The bill faced a setback after Germany opposed it, but the GEC argued that Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council in 2026 could shape its future.
“Encryption is not a barrier to justice—it is a cornerstone of digital trust,” Polk said. The coalition warned that Ireland’s decisions on both domestic and EU legislation could set a dangerous precedent, risking the privacy of millions across Europe and beyond. As the debate intensifies, the GEC is pressing the Irish government to prioritize security over surveillance, urging lawmakers to “underestimate the grave consequences of weakening encryption.”
With tech companies and privacy advocates watching closely, Ireland’s stance on encryption may soon become a pivotal test of its commitment to digital rights and global cybersecurity standards.