The identity of every person you phone, text, and/or email, the date and time of when you do so, and the location of where you are when you do so, is now being retained by mobile phone companies for Garda access.
It follows the Department of Justice obtaining a High Court order requiring the companies to do so during a secret court hearing on Monday, June 26, 2023.
This collection and retention of data is a form of mass surveillance which allows for the mapping of the private activities of virtually every person in Ireland. Both the High Court order and the lack of transparency surrounding it are gravely concerning. The order is also likely to be contrary to CJEU case law and, therefore, illegal. This risks evidence in future criminal trials either being challenged and/or such trials collapsing.