National Cyber Security Centre to get new 'emergency powers'

NCSC chief Richard Browne said the proposed legal provisions are similar to sweeping surveillance powers French authorities introduced during the Olympics. Stock picture

Ireland’s cybersecurity agency is to get “emergency powers” to conduct surveillance on all Irish website traffic where there is a “pressing national security threat”, under proposed new laws.

Richard Browne, director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), said these powers would allow for “intrusive” monitoring of internet traffic in Ireland.