Irish Government Set to be Taken to Court, Over Facebook?

Spoofing is not something that’s in short supply any given day in Dáil Éireann, but we’d really enjoy seeing Irish politicians trying to bluff their way through serious questions about social media.

It seems they just might have to do that though, as a data-privacy advocacy group known as Europe v. Facebook has said it plans to take Irish authorities to court regarding data protection in Europe. 

According to CNET.com, the Austrian-based privacy group has been campaigning for more privacy and greater data protection for the 1-billion-plus people who use Facebook, which, given news earlier today about another way in which your data is accessed, would be welcomed by many users. As Facebook have their international headquarters in Ireland, the group has concentrated its efforts here to date.

In a statement released today the group said: "We now hope for a soon settlement of our complaints. Simultaneously, we have to assume that the authority in many cases won't decide in the favor of users but in the favor of Facebook. Such a decision can be contested by us at court.”

A Facebook spokesperson hit back, defending the Irish government's handling of complaints and the results of a recent audit carried out by the government, saying: “We are committed to providing a service that enables millions of European citizens to connect and share with their friends here and around the world. The way Facebook Ireland handles European personal data has been subject to thorough review by the Irish Data Protection Commissioner over the past year. The two detailed reports that the DPC has produced by the DPC demonstrate that Facebook Ireland complies with European data protection principles and Irish law. Nonetheless we have some vocal critics who will never be happy whatever we do and whatever the DPC concludes.”

We can't imagine too many of the Leinster House dinosaurs would be too happy to be quizzed on the ins and outs of Facebook, but it's OK lads - Enda's got this covered. Proof in pictures.

Social Media Rule 1 - First impressions count. That banner image says it all. The looks of adoration! 

Social Media Rule 2 - Making people feel like they matter. 'Dear Friend' he writes. Hi back, 'FriEnda'!

Social Media Rule 3 - Tell them only what they need to know... no privacy issues for you Enda - there's more info on the back of the average packet of crisps...