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Data Protection Commission issued fines of €652m in 2024
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) issued fines totalling €652m in 2024, dealing with 11,091 cases from individuals, its 2024 report published on Thursday reveals.
In October 2024, the DPC fined networking site LinkedIn €310m as part of a probe into its processing of users' data for behavioural analysis and targeted advertising, while in December 2024, the DPC fined Facebook owner Meta €251m over a data breach.
There were 7,781 data breaches confirmed in 2024, representing an 11% increase on 2023. Around half of these breaches were a result of correspondence being sent to the wrong recipient.
The DPC concluded 145 valid cross-border complaints as the EU's lead supervisory authority during 2024.
A total of 146 electronic direct marketing investigations were concluded in 2024 and the DPC prosecuted eight companies for the sending of unsolicited marketing communications without consent.
Meanwhile AI technology must be introduced in a way that protects individuals, especially children and the vulnerable, the Data Protection Commission warned in the report.
The introduction of AI will require further safeguarding, and new technological developments must be introduced in a way that protects individuals, especially children and the vulnerable, Commissioner for Data Protection commmissioner and chair Des Hogan said.
'The protection of our personal data is more important than ever as our daily transactions now routinely occur through technologies," Mr Hogan said.
"The DPC's wide range of activities during the last year points to how fair, consistent regulation can lead to individuals across Europe trusting that their personal data is being used in a lawful and safe manner and that they have control over their data.'
An independent survey of public attitudes carried out in May 2025 on behalf of the DPC found that 61% of people in Ireland are concerned with the use of AI.
It also found 77% of respondents are concerned with how children's personal data is being shared and used online while 76% of people were concerned with how personal data is used to create a digital profile of themselves which could can be shared, sold or traded.
Concerns over technology and safety of personal data were highest in those aged over 55 while people aged 18-34 were generally less concerned. Just over half of those surveyed believe that data protection laws ensure companies using information do so responsibly, with one in five not aware of how the law effects them.
"The findings indicate strong levels of awareness and recognition of the importance of data protection, particularly in the context of emerging technologies, products and services," said DPC commissioner Dale Sunderland. "This insight is critical as we undertake the mid-term review of the DPC Regulatory Strategy."
