In a historic ruling, the High Court of Ireland has granted the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) permission to pursue the country’s first-ever class action lawsuit. The case targets Microsoft’s online advertising operations, alleging widespread misuse of personal data through the company’s Real-Time Bidding (RTB) system.
The lawsuit, led by Dr. Johnny Ryan of ICCL’s Enforce unit, follows an undercover investigation that revealed Microsoft’s advertising technology broadcasts highly sensitive personal information—including financial data, gambling habits, and even potential national security affiliations—without user consent.
“Today, nine years and one day after the GDPR was first introduced, we are finally opening up a way to enforce it against big tech on behalf of everyone,” said Dr. Ryan.
Filed under the EU’s Collective Redress Directive, the case represents all affected individuals in Ireland and could have far-reaching implications for Microsoft’s operations across the European Union. Microsoft’s European headquarters is located in Ireland, giving the Irish courts broad jurisdiction over its continental activities.
ICCL’s legal team, including James Doherty SC and Ahern Rudden Quigley, argues that Microsoft’s RTB system violates the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by exposing users to profiling, discrimination, and security threats.
Joe O’Brien, Executive Director of ICCL, called the court’s decision “a sign of hope” and emphasized its global relevance. “It is possible to push back against Big Tech and the damage it’s doing to human rights and democracy—not just nationally but internationally.”
The case could also reignite scrutiny on Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, which ICCL claims has failed to adequately enforce EU data law. More information about RTB and the ICCL’s investigation is available at iccl.ie/rtb.
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