Ireland's First Representative Action: ICCL v Microsoft

On 26 May 2025, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties ("ICCL") was granted permission by the High Court to bring a representative action against Microsoft under the Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Act 2023 (the "Act"), the first to be brought under the new regime.

Who are ICCL?

ICCL identifies defending digital rights as a particular work focus; its Senior Fellow, Mr Johnny Ryan has issued various proceedings against "Big Tech" in the European Union (see our briefing on ICCL's designation as a Qualified Entity under the Act here).

What does the action relate to?

ICCL have indicated that the proceedings concern Microsoft's use of "real-time bidding" ("RTB") technology in its online advertising business. In a press release announcing the proceedings, ICCL allege that Microsoft's RTB system: collects and processes extensive personal data from users of Microsoft products and services including Windows, Xbox,