A coalition advocating for privacy has called on the Irish government to discard its plans for a draft law that would allow authorities to access encrypted messages.
Ryan Polk, representing the Global Encryption Coalition (GEC), which promotes encryption globally, authored a letter on Thursday emphasizing the risks of the legislation proposed by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan. He warned that such measures could lead to an uptick in cybercrime and deter businesses from operating in Ireland.
“Any country that undermines encryption risks threatening the privacy and security of people far beyond its borders. But Ireland, as host to the EU headquarters of major tech companies including Apple and Meta, bears particular responsibility,” Polk stated.
Polk noted that the Communications, Interception and Lawful Access Bill is still in development, with drafting pending, yet is anticipated to progress in the coming months. The GEC demands that the legislation be halted immediately.
The letter follows closely on the heels of a related EU Chat Control bill that faced significant opposition from Germany. The lobby group has also requested that Ireland retract its backing for this proposal, citing potential invasions of privacy and national security risks.
The Risks of Weakening Encryption
Polk emphasized that diminishing encryption would expose individuals and corporations to greater risks of cybercrime, given that it is a misconception that encryption can be safely weakened for ‘good actors’ without enabling access for malicious ones.
He also mentioned that it would render sensitive data more vulnerable to foreign cyberattacks and compromise national security.
“Encryption is a critical security feature; any deliberate weakening or circumvention of it creates systemic vulnerabilities that would endanger everyone and put Ireland’s national security at risk,” added Polk.
Ireland is a hub for many of the largest tech firms, attracted by its strategic location providing better access to European and American markets, in addition to its favorable corporate tax rates.
In the event the bill is enacted, Polk expressed that platforms providing end-to-end encryption would face a difficult choice: either compromise their security protocols or leave the Irish market entirely.
“In both cases, the result would be weaker security and reduced privacy for Irish citizens, businesses, and institutions that depend on encryption to maintain trust in the digital world, including Irish Government ministers and the gardaí themselves.”
EU Chat Control Proposal Concerns
Alongside the call to dismiss local legislation, the GEC is urging the Irish administration to retract its support for the EU’s Chat Control law that mandates message screening prior to encryption.
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The GEC argues that the Irish government must be cautious not to overlook the severe repercussions of diminishing encryption, supported by the ongoing local proposal, as it poses potential risks to the privacy and security of all European citizens.
