Investigations into 15 tech companies have been opened as data breaches increase 70%

There was a 70% rise in the number of data breaches in Ireland last year since new GDPR laws were brought in.

Investigations into 15 tech companies have been opened as data breaches increase 70%

Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram were all investigated by the Data Protection Commission last year.

They were among 15 tech companies looked into by the watchdog over their compliance with GDPR.

The Data Protection Commission's annual report shows just over 4,700 valid breaches were reported to it between May and December 2018.

That's a 70% rise in the number of data breaches in Ireland since new GDPR laws were brought in.

More than 2,800 complaints were made to the office - a 56 % increase on the year before.

Graham Doyle, from the Data Protection Commission, said all of those investigations are ongoing.

"There into six different companies," he said.

"There are nine of those inquiries that were opened that are complaint based inquiries, and then we had another six inquiries that we opened of our own volition.

"Some of them are a results of individual breach notifications."

more courts articles

Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court

More in this section

Blackpool South by-election Irish voters urged to consider positions on abortions by pro-life rally
Irish-Palestinian man adjusting to life back in Dublin after fleeing Gaza Irish-Palestinian man adjusting to life back in Dublin after fleeing Gaza
Man released following arrest over online threats to black councillor Man released following arrest over online threats to black councillor
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited