[donal_cahalane]

Since its been established that the Irish data protection commission has authority over Facebook (since their EMEA HQ is based in Ireland) what implications would this legislation have for FB I wonder? I know Facebook passed the recent privacy audit that the commission carried out but would the ability of record/movie companies etc. to have offending sites blocked through the courts here would obviously affect FB right?

[davej]

I don't believe the final text has been released yet but my understanding is that it wouldn't effect Facebook anymore than it would effect a website which doesn't have a base in Ireland. The law is 'SOPA-like' because it gives Irish courts the right to tell an ISP or hosting service or other third party to block the site.

It is unclear at this time if infringing websites will be given notice that they are about to be blocked. Again, the final draft hasn't been released.

The scary thing is that they are trying to get this passed without a vote in parliament.

[disgruntledphd2]

Does this really surprise anyone? Having seen Irish government in action over the years, this is exactly how they like to do things.

That being said, I'm in Sean's constituency and I voted for him, so I'd better call him quick.

[rmc]

The scary thing is that they are trying to get this passed without a vote in parliament.

But, unlike the USA, a vote in parliament is a rubber stamp of government's opinion, based on the party whip being used, and pairing with the opposition parties.