I’m from Ireland and I agree with the sentiment. For all the criticism we (in Ireland) level at those countries, we are very much US/UK foot soldiers. Ireland also props up the EPP in the EU, which is Israels biggest enabler. It’s the reason they face no sanctions for genocide.
this post was submitted on 25 Jul 2025
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Hmm, odd that Ireland recognizes Palestine and puts pressure without being pushy on other states to end a literal genocide, but following their laws on privacy correctly is a problem? Not the support for genocide from Germany? Or Hungary protecting Russia. Or Poland persecuting LGBTQ+I people. Or France interrupting international travel? Or Austrian banks operating in sanctioned Russia?
I do think having an EU data commission that is the governing body for all EU countries would be a good thing. Most data we need to worry about these days is trans national. Ireland has fined the likes of Facebook etc. Howeverz the best legislation to protect data, the gdpr is available for all countries. So if you think it's been breached, make a complaint.
Misguided comments to put countries against each other will always find some countries on either side and is divisive rather than constructive.
Great comment. We can and should criticize the actions of the Irish government, and the German, Hungarian, Polish ones, etc. But boycotting Ireland is too far of a stretch.
There is a good point related to what OP is writing: Beware of “European” sidekicks of US companies. Many subsidiaries are a good European-washing examples, though might still be better than full-US companies when no alternative is available. But labeling the whole country of Ireland as a sidekick is too much.
boycotting Ireland is too far of a stretch.
labeling the whole country of Ireland as a sidekick is too much.
Almost like the hammer being your only tool if you think all problems have to be fixed with nails. Boycotting American companies surely can extend to products made in Europe, i agree that's completely different than boycotting everything Ireland makes.
I think all English speaking countries in Europe are culturally closer to US because of the language which means they are more accessible for US companies as well. There are other countries that could have played the same game as Ireland did, but they would have had a much harder time because there would be a language barrier. Punishing Ireland for using their position doesn't seem fair either, it would be much better to not allow US companies to benefit from Ireland by not buying their products wherever they're made unless there is no suitable alternative.
You know, not everything is about Palestine? Ireland really did play a crucial role in hollowing out the GDPR and pseudolegalizing the abuses of big tech. That does real harm to the acceptance of the EU, privacy rights and the European tech sector. That is something we really need to talk about.
I agree. It's not, but if I was choosing which country to boycott, it wouldn't be the one that regulates technology, it would be the ones enabling genocide.
I think calling for compete boycotts of countries that work with non European companies is the complete opposite of the purpose of this community. It's meant to be supporting Europeans, lifting each other up, not trying to be divisive.
Ireland is risking their economic benefits on their ideological stance, with no benefit to them personally, yet you think their economic decisions to support their economy on other ways is offensive? How about Germany not wanting to tariff the USA as they are scared of recession. I don't think we should be boycotting Germany.
The point is that in a union, each member follows the rules to benefit themselves which on the whole is mutually beneficial. If you think data laws should be strnegthened, Europe wide, campaign for that, not seek to undermine an EU member in a buy European community.
Howeverz the best legislation to protect data, the gdpr is available for all countries. So if you think it's been breached, make a complaint
You don't get it, the complaint goes to the gdpr office of the country where the company is headquartered, which is Ireland. And their office is well known to drag their feet for ever and obstruct complaints.
Hmm, odd that Ireland recognizes Palestine and puts pressure without being pushy on other states to end a literal genocide, but following their laws on privacy correctly is a problem? Not the support for genocide from Germany? Or Hungary protecting Russia [...]
That is the definition of whataboutism. All of these things are bad, but those are separate issues that have nothing to do with OPs topic. "We shouldn't do anything against Ireland because others are doing worse"?? My guy we can do multiple things at once
Hi, mod here: let’s not get carried away by geopolitical topics and try to stay on topic (GDPR, handling GDPR inquiries, …).
Well, here’s the biggest fines. Mainly from Ireland. https://dataprivacymanager.net/5-biggest-gdpr-fines-so-far-2020/
It’s not whataboutism when it’s not a deflection. I’m pointing out that all countries in the eu have differing laws and values. Boycotting one goes against the purpose of this community as well as the purpose of the eu as a whole.