[kmeisthax]

If they're local, then they're subject to GDPR, which carries massive fines and a private right of action that lets you sue the shit out of anyone who spies on you.

International surveillance, on the other hand, doesn't give two shits about GDPR. Likewise, in the US, they pay private firms and other governments to spy on their own citizens to get around the 4th and 5th Amendments.

Limiting spying to nation-state actors only - and prohibiting cross-border surveillance cooperation - would do an insane amount of good for plugging the data drain.

[gertlex]

I recently learned there's a massive gap in collection of fines relating to data handling violations, due to a (not covered) mix of non-collection and going through legal processes. (over the past 6 years: 4+ billion in fines; 20 million collected) Seems like a problem, and further changes might come partly from it.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/12/data-protecti...

[Nextgrid]

Fines so massive every company out there (including the linked website) takes the (rational) decision to not comply with it.

[iamacyborg]

What makes you say they're not complying?

[techpression]

Government spying is not subject to GDPR, just like you can’t ask the police what data they have on you. Whatever company gives them the tools will be exempt from any form of customer interference.

[sjfhdh48384]

In which EU country do you not have Freedom of Information equivalent laws?

[hulitu]

> which carries massive fines

_potential_ massive fines. At this point in time, GDPR enforcement is a joke.