Loyalty cards are a means for stores to carry out largescale data collection to track our habits and behaviours.
The GDPR says that consent must be “freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous”. Is it consent when there is an imbalance of power, as in the case of supermarket loyalty schemes?
The Bill also defines “biometric identification” more narrowly than EU law and guidance. By departing from established EU terminology and safeguards, it risks creating legal uncertainty, reducing transparency for the public, and weakening protections for fundamental rights.
The EU AI Act places strict limits on police use of biometric technologies, including facial recognition. But Ireland is not automatically bound by some of the Act’s policing provisions. This Act introduces biometric surveillance powers without clearly incorporating the AI Act’s safeguards.
Today is an incredibly important day for Pat Finucane's family, as a public inquiry into his murder finally begins.
For over three decades, Mr Finucane’s family have campaigned for truth, justice and accountability. We hope the inquiry brings this a step closer.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026...
RIP Brian McNally.
Brian was one of the Sallins Men who were falsely accused, wrongly convicted and imprisoned for the 1976 Sallins train robbery.
ICCL continues to stand with Osgur Breatnach, Nicky Kelly and the Sallins Men in their fight for truth, justice and a full public inquiry.