Irish Police (Garda Síochana)

History

2021: Allowing police to require passwords from a smartphone

In mid-June 2021, it became known about the new powers of the Irish police, including the right to impose a fine of up to 30,000 euros on anyone who refuses to transfer the password of the electronic device to the police. The maximum preventive measure is five years in prison.

Irish Minister of Justice Heather Humphreys said that these changes are set out in a bill to reorganize the Irish police, known as Garda Síochána. The document is published on the website of the Ministry of Justice and Equality of Ireland.

Irish police were allowed to demand passwords from a smartphone

Due to restrictions associated with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, more crimes are being committed online through smartphones, laptops and other personal devices that are usually password protected. The police are confident that the high level of network crimes will remain after the removal of restrictions, so the new powers are considered "absolutely necessary for the search for criminals."

The law obliges police officers to report in writing on each search. This will allow more effective collection of data on the work of law enforcement agencies. In addition, the new initiative will increase the maximum period of detention for investigating multiple offences to 48 hours, as well as the period of detention of suspects in crimes related to trafficking in persons to a week. Before the adoption of the bill, the maximum period of detention in both cases was 24 hours.

According to Humphreys, the goal of the Irish government is to make the work of law enforcement agencies "clear, transparent and accessible" and help citizens understand the powers vested in police to prevent abuse.^[1]

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