Background and Appointment

Niamh Sweeney, who previously worked for Meta for six years, has been appointed commissioner of the Data Protection Commission (DPC), one of the largest EU data protection authorities. During her tenure at Meta, she held roles including director of European public policy at WhatsApp and head of Irish public policy at Facebook.

Sweeney becomes the third active commissioner of the DPC, joining Des Hogan and Dale Sutherland. The appointment was announced by Ireland’s Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, who said the DPC’s responsibilities and scope continue to grow.

Reactions to the Appointment

The Irish government expressed optimism, stating it looks forward to working with Sweeney as the DPC upholds the EU’s fundamental right to data protection. However, the DPC has a reputation for being friendly to big‑tech firms, reflecting Ireland’s broader approach of offering a low corporate tax rate and lenient regulation.

Track Record of the DPC

Critics note that the DPC has collected only around 0.6 percent of the billions of dollars in fines levied under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Notable fines against Meta include nearly $300 million for a global data breach and an additional $100 million for storing passwords in plain text, both GDPR violations.

These figures raise concerns about whether the DPC will maintain its current enforcement posture or adopt a more rigorous approach under Sweeney’s leadership, especially given her past affiliation with Meta.

Implications for EU Tech Regulation

The appointment underscores the ongoing tension between regulatory independence and industry familiarity. As the DPC’s scope expands, its ability to enforce GDPR provisions against major tech companies will be closely watched by both policymakers and the tech sector.

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