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olgacronin.bsky.social
@olgacronin.bsky.social
96 followers 160 following 61 posts
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Reposted
cianoconcubhair.bsky.social
.@irishexaminer.bsky.social has published 2nd of 2 pieces on Garda Powers Bill

It looks at journalistic privilege & how Gardaí will get search warrants against journalists

In short: there's a risk risk the Bill breaches the European Convention on Human Rights

www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Garda Powers Bill has puzzling treatment of journalistic privilege
Surely the minister for justice wants the best protections for the rights of journalists in fulfilling their essential democratic role, writes Cian Ó Concubhair
www.irishexaminer.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:42 PM
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iccl.bsky.social
In 2024, the DPC made an urgent High Court application under Section 134 of the Data Protection Act 2018 (the first time it exercised those powers) regarding the use of users’ posts to train Grok, the group of AI models developed by xAI. This is the kind of decisive action we need from the DPC.
February 17, 2026 at 11:22 AM
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iccl.bsky.social
We will be closely monitoring developments in this inquiry - particularly given that previous own-volition inquiries opened by the DPC have still not concluded (e.g. real-time bidding, GeoDirectory).

➡️ www.iccl.ie/wp-content/u...

➡️ www.iccl.ie/tag/real-tim...
February 17, 2026 at 11:22 AM
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iccl.bsky.social
This is welcome news and follows ICCL and @digitalrightsirl.bsky.social writing to the DPC on January 20, urging it to exercise its powers and take immediate action ➡️ www.iccl.ie/wp-content/u...
February 17, 2026 at 11:22 AM
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iccl.bsky.social
This morning, the @dpcireland.bsky.social announced that it has opened an own-volition inquiry into X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC) concerning the Grok AI "nudification" scandal.

www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
Data Protection Commission investigates X over ‘nudification’ of images via Grok
Regulator said its investigation will focus on whether Elon Musk-owned company has breached GDPR rules
www.irishtimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 11:22 AM
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klillington.bsky.social
And here is my story: ‘Absolute hell’: Irishman with valid US work permit held by Ice since September

www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
‘Absolute hell’: Irishman with valid US work permit held by Ice since September
Seamus Culleton has been in a detention facility in Texas for nearly five months despite having no criminal record
www.irishtimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:21 AM
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tupped.bsky.social
This is a huge win for @iccl.bsky.social whose @johnnyryan.bsky.social has been arguing for recommender systems to face scrutiny for some time now.
stevepeers.bsky.social Steve Peers @stevepeers.bsky.social · 23d
Confirmed - EU Commission opens investigation into X as regards Grok nudifications - and also widens its earlier investigation into X to include recommender systems - ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

Background in context of the previous fine against X here: eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-...
Commission investigates Grok and X\'s recommender systems under the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has launched a new formal investigation against X under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
ec.europa.eu
January 26, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Reposted
startribune.com
Tomorrow's front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 24, 2026
January 23, 2026 at 11:45 PM
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abeba.bsky.social
I’m looking for my right-hand person to come help me run the @aial.ie

- Job Title: Lab Coordinator, AI Accountability Lab (0.8 FTE)
- Pay Scale: (€58,999 - €69,325 per annum pro-rata)
- Closing Date: 11-Feb-2026 12:00

Apply here: my.corehr.com/pls/trrecrui...

Main Responsibilities👇🏾
Main Responsibilities Operational and Financial Administration: • Coordinate the day-to-day operational and administrative activities of the AI Accountability Lab. • Oversee lab budgets and financial planning for research grants and cost centres; monitor expenditure and prepare financial reports for the PI and Faculty Finance Office. • Ensure adherence to Trinity and funder financial policies and procurement procedures. • Maintain internal administrative systems, documentation, and records to support efficient project delivery. • Liaise with central Finance, the Research Development Office, and external funding bodies on budgetary and governance matters. • Coordinate HR administrative processes for the lab, including recruitment, onboarding, contract administration, and research staff extensions in liaison with central HR and the Research Office. • Create and maintain shared resources, calendars, and internal documentation. • Coordinate relationships and collaboration with other research centres, government bodies, policy makers, civil society partners, and media as required by the research team. • Plan and schedule internal lab meetings, reading groups, invited speakers, collaborative work sessions, and other events as required. Research Coordination and Governance: • Track project timelines, deliverables, reporting schedules, and ethical compliance across multiple funded projects. • Ensure research activities meet Trinity and funder governance requirements (e.g., ethics, data management, GDPR, and reporting). • Coordinate workshops, seminars, and collaborative events with research centres and external partners as required. • Maintain shared documentation and project records to support effective collaboration. • Ensure that research outputs comply with ethical and scientific standards and satisfy the terms and conditions of relevant funding bodies. Communications and External Engagement • Coordinate internal and external communications for the lab, including its website, newsletters, and social media presence. • Liaise with policy makers, media, and stakeholder organisations on behalf of the lab, in consultation with the PI. • Support the dissemination of research outputs, such as academic publications, policy briefs, and public events in collaboration with ADAPT’s and TCD’s communications staff. • Work with Trinity Communications to prepare press releases and highlight lab achievements. • Representing the lab externally with media if required. Planning and Cross-Centre Coordination • Support the PI in delivering AIAL’s annual operational plan and reporting on progress against objectives. • Coordinate activities across multiple projects and partnerships to ensure consistency and alignment with institutional priorities. • Contribute to process improvements that strengthen the lab’s administrative and operational framework. • Act as a key contact for internal governance reviews, audits, and funder compliance checks. Any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the PI or their delegate in support of the effective operation of the AI Accountability Lab and its objectives.
January 21, 2026 at 11:17 AM
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tjmcintyre.com
Irish government announces interception reform plans to:

* Extend interception to OTT services (WhatsApp, etc.);
* Legislate for IMSI catchers; and
* Legalise spyware as an alternative form of interception.

Announcement very vague on e2e encryption; seems to intend to require backdoors.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan strengthens lawful interception powers
www.gov.ie
January 20, 2026 at 1:59 PM
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newschambers.bsky.social
Report #1 on the impacts of non-consensual deepfake image abuse.

Sonia suffered years of panic attacks and needed counselling after photos, some dating from when she was a teenager, were edited & uploaded on an explicit site with her personal info.

She's come forward because of the Grok scandal.
virginmedianews.bsky.social Virgin Media News @virginmedianews.bsky.social · 28d
A woman whose images were deepfake edited and uploaded to porn sites without her consent has appealed to the Government to use every power to stop predators.

She told Virgin Media News the abuse led to years of panic attacks and unwanted contact.

#VMNews | @newschambers.bsky.social
January 20, 2026 at 12:42 PM
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newschambers.bsky.social
Both Lucy and Sonia are incredibly inspiring.

Their speaking out, they hope, will drive it home to people who have responsibility and power to enact change that this is no laughing matter - but one that can devastate countless lives in Ireland and abroad.

@womensaidireland.bsky.social 1800 341 900
January 20, 2026 at 12:53 PM
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tjmcintyre.com
I’ve now tested Gork imagine and it is *not* implementing these restrictions in Ireland. Watch out for uncritical regurgitation of the press release.
January 15, 2026 at 9:46 AM
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iccl.bsky.social
We found that all four bodies have the investigatory powers necessary to tackle the creation and distribution of unlawful imagery by X's AI chatbot, Grok ➡️ www.iccl.ie/wp-content/u...
www.iccl.ie
January 14, 2026 at 2:13 PM
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iccl.bsky.social
Today, ICCL and @tjmcintyre.com published a new analysis of the investigatory powers of An Garda Síochána, Coimisiún na Meán, the EU Commission and the Data Protection Commission ➡️ www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
An Garda Síochána, Coimisiún na Meán, the EU Commission and the Data Protection Commission all have investigatory powers to tackle illegal Grok imagery – ICCL and DRI
ICCL and Digital Rights Ireland (DRI) have published a new analysis, "Who has what powers when it comes to illegal content online?"
www.iccl.ie
January 14, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Reposted
newschambers.bsky.social
🚨 Breaking

Gardaí say investigations are underway following Grok scandal.

"We have received reports and referrals of content on that platform that is under investigation... the process takes some time... it has to be assessed to make sure it's criminal... the people responsible have to be ID'd"
January 14, 2026 at 12:49 PM
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tupped.bsky.social
I find it astonishing that the idea that children should upload selfies to X as part of a state-mandated age verification scheme is still being floated.
tupped.bsky.social Simon McGarr @tupped.bsky.social · Jan 14
Particularly unhappy with the attempt to move discussion off the X illegal abuse image factory to the pre-existing Garda wish to bring in age verification to allow surveillance of all adults and children’s access of *lawful* material.

These are incomparable issues in terms of seriousness.
January 14, 2026 at 9:35 AM
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tupped.bsky.social
The same prepared statements then go on to complain about the lack of age verification surveillance, which is to say they want laws to monitor adults & children accessing legal material while avoiding systemically addressing mass production of unlawful material.

Priorities need adjusting here.
January 14, 2026 at 7:23 AM
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tupped.bsky.social
When is it not appropriate? And why is it, again atomised to individuals when Section 9 of the 1998 Act specifically assigns corporate bodies liability as well.
January 14, 2026 at 7:34 AM
Reposted
tupped.bsky.social
Particularly unhappy with the attempt to move discussion off the X illegal abuse image factory to the pre-existing Garda wish to bring in age verification to allow surveillance of all adults and children’s access of *lawful* material.

These are incomparable issues in terms of seriousness.
January 14, 2026 at 7:42 AM
olgacronin.bsky.social
*Must listen 👇

The gardaí have powers ...
CnM and EU Commission have powers ...
The DPC has powers ...
January 13, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Reposted
tjmcintyre.com
It might be just me, but I don't think public bodies should be posting photographs of children to the 'makes sexual images from photographs of children' website.
Advocacy group questions Department of Education's decision to post images on X
Digital Rights Ireland (DRI) has asked what precautions under GDPR have been taken in terms of the posting
www.irishexaminer.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:42 AM
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tjmcintyre.com
Also, 'bikini' images are not the only concern. The Grok chatbot replies on the main X site does have some guardrails but Grok Imagine (grok .com/imagine) generates full nudes, penetration, etc.
www.wired.com/story/grok-i...
Grok Is Generating Sexual Content Far More Graphic Than What's on X
A WIRED review of outputs hosted on Grok’s official website shows it’s being used to create violent sexual images and videos, as well as content that includes apparent minors.
www.wired.com
January 11, 2026 at 6:51 PM
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tupped.bsky.social
Respectfully, I think this assessment is incorrect.

CSAM’s definition in the 1998 Act is intent of the image, not merely its content

Images taking dressed images of children and turning them into bikini-wearing children has an intent, focused on sexualisation.

www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/20...
Grok images of children probably not prosecutable, says child protection expert
‘Law or no law’, there is no reason for a programme to generate images of people without clothes on, says former garda
www.irishtimes.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Reposted
aidanobrien.bsky.social
"There's a factory on Fenian Street that makes child sex abuse material."

@tupped.bsky.social offers virtually no quarter to the Irish government for their response to CSAM and IBSV on X.

Read the whole thing.
The Power Law In response, nearly all of Ireland's law enforcement, regulatory and political machinery has spent the week in a state of farcical denial and desperate inaction. It turns out that, because the factory used to be a respectable commercial endeavour, Ireland's systems are culturally incapable of taking action when it goes rogue. The machinery of our state was built to protect and defend institutions of power. Historically, it spent decades specifically ensuring that perpetratorsof child sex abuse would not face any consequences for their actions if they were part of the institutions of the Catholic Church. Consequence-free physical and sexual abuse of children was part of the deal the institutional Church offered the Irish state, along with running schools, hospitals and other expensive-looking services. This is a habit of thought that the Taoiseach demonstrated this week is still alive and well in Government. The Power Law In response, nearly all of Ireland's law enforcement, regulatory and political machinery has spent the week in a state of farcical denial and desperate inaction. It turns out that, because the factory used to be a respectable commercial endeavour, Ireland's systems are culturally incapable of taking action when it goes rogue. The machinery of our state was built to protect and defend institutions of power. Historically, it spent decades specifically ensuring that perpetratorsof child sex abuse would not face any consequences for their actions if they were part of the institutions of the Catholic Church. Consequence-free physical and sexual abuse of children was part of the deal the institutional Church offered the Irish state, along with running schools, hospitals and other expensive-looking services. This is a habit of thought that the Taoiseach demonstrated this week is still alive and well in Government. We can be heroes In a week of profound institutional failure, it's important to acknowledge two people who didn't avoid their duties to state facts plainly and accurately. Firstly, Richard Chambers on Virgin Media News stuck with this story day after day, asking questions that forced ministers to address reality. He didn't accept the initial minimising responses and he looked for more than actionless pablum from his interviewees. But most importantly, he held the professional and moral clarity to recognise that a company opening a child sex abuse material factory in the middle of Dublin was a huge story that needed to be covered. Secondly, plaudits are due to the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smith. While her senior cabinet colleagues were prevaricating, she said X needed garda investigation into potential criminal acts. While her Senior Minister was arguing against leaving the platform, she deleted her account. It shouldn't be difficult to act swiftly and without hesitation when the question posed is "Is it OK to work with the child sexual abuse material factory?" But the bar is assuredly in that hole. Meanwhile, parents can make their own stand. This week, after a parent enquiry, my daughter's primary school announced they were leaving X, removing all of the years and years of images of children's events, sports days and Christmas choirs from X, the deepfake abuse factory. Perhaps, in the face of the State's political and policing collective shrug, we're all going to have to email our own schools, TDs and businesses and tell them it is time to make their revulsion explicit, and get off X.
January 10, 2026 at 2:34 PM