To the House of the Oireachtas,

The indiscriminate surveillance of social media, email, mobile phones, computer equipment, internet, etc., poses a serious threat to the rights of the individual and the proper functioning of democracy, as well as empowers organised crime to carry out criminal activities and pervert the rule of law, including compromising government officials and targeting those who speak out against the status quo.

As an individual whose privacy is under attack, and has been subjected to a prolonged period of harassment, intimidation, death threats, attempts at criminal entrapment, house break-ins, property damage; interference in business, mobile phones, email, online data, social media, websites, postal, legal and financial, including the purchase of my family home and thwarting of financial transactions; death and disappearance of pets, interference overseas, sabotaging of social activities and illegal surveillance, etc., (since speaking out against corruption in 2009, and raising concerns about election interference with An Garda Siochana), I am deeply concerned about the unwarranted surveillance of law abiding citizens, the potential for mass surveillance in Ireland, and the uncontrolled use of state resources, in conjunction with organised crime, to target law abiding citizens (given the fact I have made repeated, documented complaints over many years to local law enforcement and government agencies with no formal investigation ever taking place. The brazenness of these acts, and the very clear sense of impunity from those committing them, sends a clear message by example to the ordinary person, not to upset the status quo as their lives will be ruined if they do so, with no help whatsoever from law enforcement or government agencies.)

This petition seeks to ensure the Irish people are not subjected to indiscriminate surveillance nor the day to day lives of law abiding citizens targeted using state resources in conjunction with organised crime, due to a lack of proper controls in An Garda Siochana, and a work culture that inculcates secrecy among its members as a result of the negative consequences for members of speaking out. 

We demand assurance that monitoring of personal digital equipment is strictly limited to situations necessitated by criminal activities and only targets legitimate individuals with fool proof measures in place to monitor and record all such activity. We also seek confirmation that there is no special task force within An Garda Síochána assigned with the harassment or intimidation of any nominated person within the state. 

The right to privacy is enshrined in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which Ireland has ratified. Therefore, it's imperative for our government to uphold these rights and protect its citizens from unwarranted intrusion (Council of Europe). 

In this digital age where personal data can be easily accessed and misused, we need fool proof controls on surveillance practices to prevent abuse, particularly as we enter the age of Artificial Intelligence where daily surveillance of all citizens becomes a distinct possibility. A fully transparent system will not only protect our rights but also enhance trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies.

Let us stand together against unwarranted surveillance and interference; sign this petition demanding fool proof transparency and increased controls within An Garda Siochana regarding their surveillance practices and the unlawful targeting of law abiding citizens.

The time to act is now as AI becomes more powerful. Reassurance’s will not protect civil rights or democracy, nor prevent surreptitious abuse. 

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Please ensure to verify your signature for this petition by email. Otherwise, your signature will be removed and not counted. 

This petition will be handed to the joint committee of public petitions and to an Taoiseach upon completion.

Thank you for your support. 

Written and submitted by Albert D Byrne