The memo notes Kenny’s “appreciation” for Facebook’s decision to locate its headquarters in Dublin and points out that the new proposed data protection legislation was a “threat to jobs, innovation and economic growth in Europe”. It then goes on to say that Ireland is poised to take on the presidency of the EU and therefore has the “opportunity to influence the European Data Directive decisions”. It makes the extraordinary claim that Kenny offered to use the “significant influence” of the EU presidency as a means of influencing other EU member states “even though technically Ireland is supposed to remain neutral in this role”.
Inquitus wrote: » This is probably not going to do us any favours, if true.https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/mar/02/facebook-global-lobbying-campaign-against-data-privacy-laws-investment
Allinall wrote: » Curious as to why you think it won’t do us any favours? Also curious as to what favours we might have got if Enda hadn’t said what he did.
odyssey06 wrote: » So Kenny is either a liar (to Facebook) or fool (in that he couldn't deliver on his unethical promises). Makes us look bad to Facebook and to the EU. Great job.
prawnsambo wrote: » Yeah, sounds like Enda was telling Facebook what they wanted to hear.
hmmm wrote: » If true, well done Enda. Lots of high paying jobs are more than welcome, and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to come live in the real world.
WoollyRedHat wrote: » Do you think that's a viable strategy to abuse your position in EU for the gain of a minority? Very short term thinking.. Where do you draw the line?
prawnsambo wrote: » There was a lot of concern about the data protection legislation in its earliest manifestations. It did not have a lot of support and was seen as delivering unforeseen consequences. So it wouldn't have been surprising at the time that the government might be against it. But that was then.
WoollyRedHat wrote: » Agreed, now it looks shady.
hmmm wrote: » What's wrong with taking a pro business line when laws are being negotiated ? Ye'd be complaining if we had 20% unemployment.