Public internet data law threatens small businesses, say experts

A LAW that requires anyone offering public internet access to retain data on internet users could damage small businesses and make Ireland less competitive, experts have warned.

The Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011, which was signed into law during the final days of the last government, requires telephone service providers to retain telephone data for two years and internet data to be kept by internet service providers (ISPs) for 12 months.

Anyone offering public internet access must retain the name, address, and technical identities of internet users, but do not need to keep data concerning the content of calls or emails to be retained.