Ireland Proposes New Law Allowing Police to Use Spyware

Ireland Proposes New Law Allowing Police to Use Spyware

Ireland Proposes Spyware Law for Police Surveillance Ireland is moving forward with controversial legislation that would grant police the legal authority to deploy commercial-grade spyware—like tools from NSO Group and Intellexa—on suspects’ devices. The proposed Communications (Interception and Lawful Access) Bill , unveiled this week by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, aims to modernize surveillance powers originally established in 1993, long before encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp became mainstream. But while officials insist the bill includes “robust safeguards,” digital rights advocates warn it could open the door to unchecked state surveillance. Credit: Liam McBurney/PA Images / Getty Images Why Ireland Needs New Surveillance Powers—According to the Government The Irish government argues that current laws are dangerously outdated. The existing framework, the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993, was written before smart…