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ARTICLE · 11 JANUARY 2022

European Commissioner Provides Strong Support For The Data Protection Commission

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The EU Commissioner for Justice, Mr Didier Reynders, has provided strong support for the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which was the subject of recent criticisms from a small number of MEPs.

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The EU Commissioner for Justice, Mr Didier Reynders, has provided strong support for the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which was the subject of recent criticisms from a small number of MEPs.  The MEPs claimed that the DPC was behind on investigating complaints and was not strict enough with large internet platforms such as Facebook and Google (Big Tech). 

In December 2021, a letter was sent to Commissioner Reynders by two Dutch MEPs and two German MEPs, requesting him to open infringement proceedings against the DPC for its allegedly weak supervision of Big Tech establishments in Dublin. Irish Data Protection Commissioner, Helen Dixon, robustly rejected these claims and the allegation that the DPC was lobbying for lower standards for Big Tech. 

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