Experts say weakening encryption could harm cybersecurity, deter tech investment, and threaten national security
A leading privacy coalition has urged the Irish government to halt development of the Communications Interception and Lawful Access Bill, a proposal that could give law enforcement access to encrypted communications. The draft legislation, still in early stages, has sparked strong opposition from digital rights groups and cybersecurity experts who warn it could undermine global privacy and Ireland’s tech ecosystem.
The Global Encryption Coalition (GEC) issued an open letter this week calling on officials to abandon the bill entirely, arguing that “any country that undermines encryption risks threatening the privacy and security of people far beyond its borders.” The group emphasized that Ireland, home to the European headquarters of major tech firms such as Apple and Meta, carries a unique responsibility to protect secure digital infrastructure.
Ryan Polk, representing the coalition, warned that the proposed law could create systemic vulnerabilities. “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,” he said.
Polk also noted that weakening encryption cannot be limited to ‘good actors’. Once a backdoor exists, it can be exploited by malicious entities, increasing risks of cybercrime, identity theft, and espionage. He added that companies relying on end-to-end encryption may face an “impossible choice” — either compromise their security standards to comply or exit the Irish market altogether.
The proposal echoes the EU’s controversial Chat Control initiative, which seeks to enable authorities to scan private messages before encryption. That measure recently faced resistance after Germany’s ruling party voiced opposition, citing privacy and human rights concerns.
The GEC has urged Ireland not only to abandon its domestic bill but also to withdraw support for the EU Chat Control proposal. The coalition warned that Ireland’s future leadership of the EU Council in 2026 places it in a pivotal position to influence Europe’s digital privacy framework.
Experts conclude that weakening encryption could deter technology investment and erode trust in Ireland’s digital infrastructure, undermining both citizen privacy and national cybersecurity resilience.
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