Digital Rights Ireland is dedicated to defending Civil, Human and Legal rights in a digital age. We are a small, focused organization. We have no staff or office, so all our funds go directly towards our work.

Our volunteers work in three key areas:

Legal Challenges

We are bringing a constitutional challenge against the Irish government in relation to their policy of retaining internet and telephone records on the entire population. This case has a major European dimension and we have already achieved a landmark victory before the European Court of Justice. The Irish Human Rights Commission appears as an amicus.

Digital Rights Ireland itself sought leave to intervene as an amicus in relation to attempts by international record labels to block IP addresses of certain file sharing websites.

Working with Government and Legislators

We work to help legislators to understand the issues involved in online rights. For example, we recently appeared before an Oireachtas committee in relation to the issue of cyber-bullying, and an Oireachtas committee on the Data Protection Bill 2017.

Public Activism

We explain these issues in public and help assemble public campaigns in relation to them. We regularly contribute to radio programs and print and online publications in relation to these topics.

We are a member of European Digital Rights (EDRI) and also work with other civil rights groups such as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and international colleagues in groups such as Privacy International.

Our Organisation

We are a limited company. The directors are;

DRI is an independent, non-profit organization. It is not influenced by persons other than consumers. DRI has established procedures to prevent such influence, as well as to prevent conflicts of interest between itself, its funding providers and the the interests of consumers and the public generally.

Digital Rights Ireland’s board acts on a mandate from the company’s members in accordance with the Companies legislation. Some board members are also members of the company. The day-to-day work of Digital Rights Ireland is carried out by members of the Board.

Digital Rights Ireland received funding from supporters in 2024 in amounts of less than €200 per supporter, for which we are grateful.

Digital Rights Ireland also received support and funding from Digital Freedom Foundation in 2024. The total value of this was less than €10,000. The support was travel support in relation to DFF events and free attendance at these events. The funding was in relation to specific projects relating to litigation.

A copy of our constitution (as filed at the Companies Registration Office can be downloaded –  DRI Constitution – CR15999501-IN1663842. The company details are as follows.

Digital Rights Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee
Company Number: 410355
Registered Office: 10 Castle Hill, Bennettsbridge Road, Kilkenny
 

We are represented by McGarr Solicitors. Founding and former members also include Bernie Goldbach, Fergus Cassidy, Damien Mulley and the late Noirin Plunkett.