• Technology

    Niamh Sweeney appointed as third data protection commissioner

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    By John Burns

    Copyright independent

    Niamh Sweeney appointed as third data protection commissioner

    A former executive with Stripe, Facebook and WhatsApp, Ms Sweeney will take on the role from October 13, and has been given a five-year term.

    She will join Dale Sutherland and Des Hogan, the existing data protection commissioners, who were both appointed early last year in succession to Helen Dixon.

    In 2022, the Government decided to increase the number of commissioners from one to three, amid concerns that the office, which regulates many large social media platforms on behalf of the EU, was overwhelmed by the volume of work.

    The appointment of Ms Sweeney finally completes the process of expansion.

    Jim O’Callaghan, the minister for justice, said: “The DPC has grown significantly in size, scope and responsibility over the last decade, playing a critical role as one of the largest EU data protection authorities.

    “It continues to have expanding and evolving responsibilities as the national independent authority in Ireland responsible for upholding the fundamental right of individuals in the EU to have their personal data protected.”

    He pointed out that, from next year, the commission will take on extra responsibilities in relation to some high-risk AI systems, including biometrics and law enforcement. The recently passed AI Act outlines the roles that the office will play.

    “The DPC is anticipating an increased workload arising from the impact of the EU’s new digital acts such as the Digital Markets Act, Data Act, and Digital Services Act on data protection matters,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

    “These additional functions are critical to Ireland’s ability to maintain its leading role in the development and regulation of Europe’s digital economy.”

    Ms Sweeney’s most recent role was as a director with Milltown Partners, a global strategic advisory firm, having previously held senior roles at a number of technology companies, including Director of Public Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at WhatsApp.

    She was also head of communications for Stripe in Ireland, and head of public policy in Ireland for Facebook.

    Prior to entering the technology sector, she was a Special Adviser at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and worked as a journalist for many years, including at RTÉ and Bloomberg.

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