New laws to protect data of citizens

Stricter controls and enhanced protection of citizens’ data and communications are set to be announced today with the release of the long-awaited report on the accessing of communication data of journalists.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan will propose new laws to restrict the ways gardaí and other state agencies can monitor citizens communications, including the type of data they can hold.

Government sources say the long-awaited Murray report into the accessing of communication data of journalists phones by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) will be published while the stricter data laws are also brought to Cabinet.