Govt accused of caving to AI firms over data safeguards
European transparency campaigners have accused Ireland of caving to pressure from Big Tech in order to allegedly water down safeguards preventing technology corporations from using Europeans' personal data without their consent.
European transparency campaigners have accused Ireland of bowing to pressure from major AI companies to weaken safeguards protecting Europeans' personal data from being used without consent. This comes shortly after EU member states agreed on a joint position at the behest of the Irish EU Presidency on simplifying rules around AI and personal data.
According to a report by transparency NGOs Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) and LobbyControl, there was strong lobbying from Google and Meta to push for a reduction in these safeguards in favor of Big Tech. However, the Irish government maintains that the joint position reflects a balanced view among member states while also ensuring legal protection for personal data in the AI era.
The presidency spokesperson stated that Ireland carries out its responsibilities with complete impartiality.
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