Politics

Ireland must stay vigilant amid ‘rising authoritarianism and spread of disinformation’, says Commissioner

Michael McGrath highlighted threat of foreign interference and criticised Russian invasion of Ukraine

Michael McGrath outlined the importance of never taking democracy for granted. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
Michael McGrath outlined the importance of never taking democracy for granted. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
Órla Ryan
Mon May 19 2025 - 20:56

Ireland should never take its democracy for granted, particularly as Europe faces significant challenges such as the rise of authoritarianism and spread of disinformation, European Commissioner Michael McGrath has said.

Speaking at an event in Dublin on Monday, Mr McGrath said Europe “knows all too well the cost of adopting alternative, authoritarian systems of government”.

“We must never take democracy and democratic processes for granted,” he said. “That is the rock we would perish on.

“With the world becoming more unstable – facing issues like rising authoritarianism, foreign interference and the rapid spread of disinformation – we need to remain watchful and ready for what’s to come in the months and years ahead.”

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Mr McGrath was speaking at an event organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), a think tank based in Dublin. He said “many significant challenges threaten the fabric of our democracies in Europe”.

The commissioner, whose brief covers democracy, justice and consumer protection, said: “Let us not forget that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was preceded by an information war and a hybrid war, including massive campaigns of interference and disinformation.”

Mr McGrath is also responsible for ensuring enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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Meta, which operates Facebook and Instagram, wants the High Court to overturn a €91 million penalty imposed on it by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission for improperly storing user passwords.

The tech giant said the punishment is “disproportionate” and that such fines could stifle innovation.

When asked about this, Mr McGrath said “a balance” needs to be found. He noted that while personal data must be protected, there is also a need to “simplify the burden of compliance with the GDPR rules”.

He said he will bring forward “measures to ease the burden of compliance with GDPR, while at the same time protecting that fundamental right of the protection of personal data”.