Government may bring in new laws around the sale of mobile phone location data

An RTÉ 'Prime Time' investigation found that location data could be tracked to residential addresses, after individuals had travelled from Leinster House, military bases and prisons

The Taoiseach said there are 'security implications' around the tracking of movement, particularly individuals who could be vulnerable or could be exposed on security grounds. File photo

The Government will consider all options, including new laws, to deal with the sale of mobile phone location data, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

Mr Martin said the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) would also be involved in examining the sale of the data.

It follows an RTÉ Prime Time investigation on Thursday which outlined how location data for tens of thousands of phones is available to be purchased.

The report itself said this location data could be tracked to residential addresses, after individuals had travelled from Leinster House, military bases and prisons. Speaking in Waterford, Mr Martin advised people against sharing their location data.

“I think one of the issues is when people are downloading apps or when people are in a hurry, generally speaking, they don’t read all the terms and conditions and they tend to bypass those. People just want to get access to the things.”

The Taoiseach said there are “security implications” around the tracking of movement, particularly individuals who could be vulnerable or could be exposed on security grounds.

“We will discuss this and engage with the commission and within the industry, particularly in terms of the security dimension of this development,” Mr Martin said.

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Asked directly if legislation would be considered, Mr Martin said: “We’re going to examine it and we will look at all options in that regard.”

Mr Martin said it was “no surprise” that data is a key economic driver in the modern era.

“I think Governments generally have to always take a vigilant approach to protecting citizens and having a level playing field and a fair playing field to protect people and that will always be our consideration,” he said.

“That applies to content as well and in terms of creating space for proper debate and discussion in society.”

'Serious national security threat'

On Tuesday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik raised concerns about the issue of buying location data and questioned why no enforcement action had been taken by the DPC.

Ms Bacik said: “Unfortunately, few will be surprised by the fact that tech companies are engaging in this practice.

“However, many will be rightly outraged that the Data Protection Commissioner appears to have been aware of this illegal behaviour for some years, but it appears to have done nothing about it.”

Ms Bacik said the tracking of location data appeared to be a “serious national security threat” and called for the DPC to answer questions on how it intends to respond to the matter.

“Recent news of threats being made to the safety of the Tánaiste – and his family – and others highlight just how serious this is,” she added.