Linkedin Fined €310 Mn for GDPR Infringement

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has fined LinkedIn €310 million (approximately $335 million) for violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The fine was issued due to LinkedIn's inadequate handling of user data for behavioral analysis and targeted advertising. 

LinkedIn was fined for inadequate handling of user data for behavioral analysis and targeted advertising. The DPC found that LinkedIn did not obtain valid consent from users and failed to provide clear information about how user data was being used. 

This fine is one of the largest ever issued under the GDPR and serves as a strong reminder of the importance of data protection compliance. 

Key points of the infringement include:

• Invalid Consent: LinkedIn did not obtain valid consent from users for processing their data. 
• Lack of Transparency: LinkedIn failed to provide clear information about how user data was being used. 
• Fairness and Lawfulness: The. processing of personal data was found to be unfair and unlawful 

LinkedIn has stated that it is working to ensure its ad practices comply with the DPC's decision.

LinkedIn attempted to justify its data processing practices using consent, legitimate interests, and contractual necessity, but the DPC found these justifications invalid.

The professionals networking platform did not properly inform users about its data processing activities, violating the GDPR principles of transparency and fairness.

LinkedIn has been given three months to bring its data processing practices into compliance with the GDPR

Last year in May, Meta was fined €1.2 billion (approximately $1.3 billion) by the Irish Data Protection Commission for transferring personal data of European users to the United States without adequate data protection mechanisms.

In July 2021, Amazon was fined €746 million (approximately $888 million) by the Luxembourg National Commission for Data Protection for its advertising targeting system that operated without proper consent.

In 2019, Google was fined €50 million (approximately $57 million) by France's data protection authority for failing to provide clear information about its data processing activities and not seeking proper consent for targeted advertising. 

TCS Grabs €150 Mn Contract from Ireland Govt to Build Irish Auto-Enrolment System

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is nearing a significant €150 million ( ~ US$160.4 Mn) deal to construct an auto-enrolment system in Ireland.

The Department of Social Protection of the Government of Ireland has selected TCS as its preferred partner to build and run the system for its landmark auto-enrolment (AE) pension scheme, according to reports by both Irish and Indian media outlets.

The awarding of the 10-year contract, which is valued at up to €150 million (~ US$160.4 Mn), is expected to be finalised within weeks.

The proposed auto-enrolment scheme will apply to individuals aged between 23 and 60, earning at least €20,000 annually. For every €3 contributed by a worker, their employer will match the amount, and the State will add an additional €1. Participants will have the flexibility to opt out during specific windows.

The Irish Department of Social Protection estimates that the State's cost for the auto-enrolment scheme will be approximately €138 million in its first year of operation (2025), increasing to €760 million by the tenth year.

Additionally, TCS has a successful track record, having previously established and managed a UK auto-enrolment system over a decade ago. The company has been operating in Ireland for more than two decades and opened a global delivery center in Letterkenny in 2020.

This initiative aims to enhance retirement savings and financial security for Irish workers.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has a significant presence in Ireland, contributing to the country's technology landscape. TCS first set up an office in Dublin in 2001. Over the years, it has expanded its operations and now operates with over 100 consultants in Ireland. The company's Global Delivery Centres support its activities in the region.

Besides this auto-enrolment scheme project, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been actively involved in several projects in Ireland. To recall, TCS played a pivotal role in helping AIB life, a joint venture between Allied Irish Banks plc and Great-West Lifeco, launch operations in Ireland. The two built a future-ready, digitally enabled platform using TCS BaNCS. This platform allows AIB's 3.2 million customers to access financial advice and a range of integrated life protection, pensions, and investment products through branches, phone, and the AIB mobile banking app. TCS BaNCS' configurability enables AIB life to innovate and differentiate itself in the Irish market.

Moreover, TCS collaborates with local institutions such as Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, Letterkenny IT, Sligo IT, and NUI Galway. The Indian IT services giant also hire staff with international experience, resulting in a diverse workforce representing 35 different nationalities at their Letterkenny operations.

An Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, commended TCS's continued investment in Ireland during a visit to their Global Delivery Centre in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

In 2020, TCS acquired Pramerica Systems Ireland from insurance firm Prudential Financial Inc (PFI), further strengthening its presence. Since then, TCS has continued to invest in its Irish workforce, equipping employees with the latest skills. The company operates a Global Delivery Centre in Letterkenny, servicing more than 25 global and local customers.

Intel and Apollo to Form JV Related to Intel’s Fab 34 in Ireland, Apollo to Lead $11 Bn Investment in the JV

Intel’s New Fab in Ireland Begins High-Volume Production of Intel 4 Technology

Intel Corporation and Apollo have reached an agreement to form a joint venture related to Intel's Fab 34 in Ireland. Under this agreement, Apollo-managed funds and affiliates will invest $11 billion to acquire a 49% equity interest in the joint venture entity.

The joint venture will have rights to manufacture wafers at Fab 34 to support long-term demand for Intel’s products and provide capacity for Intel Foundry customers. Intel will retain a 51% controlling interest and full ownership and operational control of Fab 34 and its assets.

This move is part of Intel's Semiconductor Co-Investment Program (SCIP), which is an element of Intel’s Smart Capital strategy. SCIP aims to create financial flexibility to accelerate Intel's strategy, including investing in its global manufacturing operations, while maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Fab 34 is Intel’s leading-edge high-volume manufacturing (HVM) facility located in Leixlip, Ireland, designed for wafers using the Intel 4 and Intel 3 process technologies. Intel has invested a total of $18.4 billion in Fab 34 to date.

This transaction is expected to enhance Intel's balance sheet with capital at a cost below Intel’s cost of equity and is anticipated to be treated as equity-like from a ratings perspective. The agreement with Apollo is seen as a strategic move to give Intel additional flexibility to execute its strategy as it invests to create a resilient and sustainable semiconductor supply chain.

Fab 34 in Ireland

Production tools fill the cleanroom of Fab 34, the newest Intel manufacturing facility in Ireland. On Sept.  29, 2023, Intel announced that the factory in Leixlip, Ireland, was in high-volume production of computer chips using Intel 4 technology. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Fab 34 plays a critical role in sustaining and augmenting the semiconductor supply chain across Europe, which is essential for the region's technological independence and economic security.

Fab 34 is a significant development in the semiconductor industry for several reasons. It houses some of the most complex manufacturing technology in the world, which is crucial for advancing global semiconductor manufacturing.

The creation of Fab 34 represents a €17 billion investment by Intel and, once fully operational, it will employ 1,600 new full- time staff, bringing Intel's total employment in Ireland to 6,500. This underscores the facility's role in boosting the local economy and job market.

Intel 4 Technology

Intel 4 Technology represents a significant leap forward in semiconductor manufacturing, marking a new era for Intel's process nodes.

Intel 4 is the first Intel process to incorporate Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, which allows for the creation of smaller and more complex chip designs. The new process node offers a 20% performance improvement over previous generations, which is a substantial increase in computing power.

The technology includes new core architectures like Redwood Cove (P-core) and Crestmont (E- core), which are expected to bring generational IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) gains and improved power efficiency.

Intel 4 Technology is a cornerstone of Intel's roadmap, enabling the company to push the boundaries of what's possible in computing.

Ireland India Business Association (IIBA) Expands Horizons: Launches Subsidiary in India to Boost Ireland-India Trade Relations

The Ireland India Business Association (IIBA) is dedicated to foster commercial links between Indian and Irish businesses, announces the launch of its subsidiary in India. The formation of IIBA Foundation (India) is a significant milestone that strengthens IIBA's commitment to knowledge sharing and networking among Irish and Indian business communities as well as facilitating bilateral trade and cooperation between the two nations.

The launch in India underscores the shared commitment to strengthen and expand the trade relationship between the two countries, which is visible in the tripling of India-Ireland bilateral trade in goods and services over the past decade, reaching a significant value close to Euro 10 billion. The IIBA which was formed in Ireland in 2008 has been highly successful in promoting and bolstering bilateral business relations through close working relationships with leading Indian and Irish business associations, trade bodies and government agencies.

Mr. Brendan Ward, Ambassador of Ireland in India, said, “India is the fastest growing large economy in the world and Ireland is the fastest growing economy in Europe. With economic and trade relations between India and Ireland growing rapidly, IIBA will play a major role in raising awareness of the opportunities offered in both countries and encouraging investment.”

Ms. Tanaz Buhariwalla, India Director, IDA Ireland said- “The registration of the Ireland India Business Association (IIBA) in India is a milestone reflecting the importance of the economic relationship between India and Ireland. Close to 100 Indian companies have chosen Ireland as their international home, capitalizing on Ireland's unique geographic advantage as a gateway to the EU and its reputation as a top 15 innovative country. The IIBA will play a crucial role in strengthening commercial ties between our nations, fostering collaboration, facilitating business development and knowledge exchange leading to bilateral economic growth. As Ireland's investment promotion agency, IDA Ireland acknowledges the significant value that the IIBA brings to the table, and we remain dedicated to supporting its efforts in promoting bilateral trade and cooperation."

Mr Saurav Sanyal, Chairman IIBA (India) said, “The launch of Ireland India Business Association in India marks a significant step forward in strengthening the commercial bonds between our two nations. We are eager to create a platform that fosters collaboration, facilitates business expansion, and generates opportunities for growth. Together, we can unlock the immense potential that lies within the Ireland-India trade corridor. The launch in India reaffirms IIBA's commitment to facilitating a vibrant and growing trade relationship between Ireland and India.”

The IIBA has formed sector-specific working groups, which focus on sectors such as Technology, Food & Agribusiness, Health and Pharmaceuticals, Education, Aviation, and Startups. Since its inception, the IIBA has garnered a diverse membership base, including prominent entities such as IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Tata Consultancy Services, WIPRO, HCL, Infosys, and number of small and medium sized businesses across various sectors in India and Ireland. This broad representation reflects the IIBA's ability to connect businesses from different industries and facilitate collaborative opportunities. The growing membership underscores the significance of the growing trade relationship and commercial opportunities between India and Ireland. This is likely to be further enhanced through the Free Trade Agreement being negotiated with the European Union.

A launch event was hosted at the Irish Consulate in Mumbai, which was graced by senior executives from Ireland and India including representatives from the Irish Embassy in India, industry leaders, prominent members of the business communities from India and Ireland and representatives from leading Indian educational institutes. This gathering not only celebrates the establishment of IIBA in India but also lays the foundation for a fruitful collaboration between Irish and Indian business.

Contact: chair-india@iiba.ie for more information on member services, events, trade missions.

Ireland's Two Super Apps Otals and Instazap Merge to Revolutionize The Future Of Instant Needs

The immigrants are all set to revolutionize and transform the way people think about 'instant needs' and 'daily essentials.'

The journey of mobiles commenced two decades ago, transforming from chunky phones to sleeker gadgets, pouring AI apps into a single screen, and transforming lives with simple downloads and clicks. According to Statista, by 2024, the number of smartphone users in Ireland is estimated to reach 3.8 million. This would be an increase of around 78.59% since 2018. In Ireland, the average person spends close to 4 hours every day on their phone. However, these mobile users have to toggle between multiple apps to fulfill their instant needs.

Comprehending the imperative value of smart apps, Amin Shaikh founded Instazap in 2020, and Kamil Mahajan founded Otals in 2021, respectively. Recently, the immigrant founders announced the collaboration of the two organizations to revolutionize the future of the Quick Commerce and On-Demand Services market.

Amin, who is originally from Pakistan, and Kamil, from India, decided to utilize their wealth of experience in the tech field and bridge the gap in the Irish market for Q-Commerce, and On-Demand Services. Together, they are all set to create a community that promotes empowerment and closes the gap between supply & demand in the market, considering the latest trends and behavioral shifts amongst the human population globally. This includes households, businesses/service providers & last-mile couriers while building eco-friendly & sustainable systems to better care for planet earth.

Otals will now be a part of the Instazap family, which is a one-for-all Super App for all your daily needs. This hyperlocal, Super app will empower users to not only order food, grocery & other essentials but also connect them with trusted and reliable professional service providers locally on-demand. The umpteenth services are readily accessible on a single app. The focus of Instazap is to fulfill the instant needs of their loyal customers in minutes, like a reliable friend in a pocket.

Kamil migrated to Ireland in 2001 to pursue further education and worked in tech companies like Facebook and Quantcast, where he held leadership roles in Information Technology (IT) and Information Security. He is a Certified Information Security Manager and an ISO 27001 expert. Kamil thrives when it comes to working with people, and he is excited to utilize his experience in the tech industry to bring Instazap to the next level.

Amin, on the other hand, is a seasoned entrepreneur and has a proven track record of successful startups. He has founded & co-founded a number of companies to date, a BPO, Renewable Energy, home teeth whitening & a Software Company. After relocating to Ireland in 2005, he pursued his passion for IT and later went on to work with Intel. His experience in the corporate sector has allowed him to develop a keen understanding of all the moving parts of a well-oiled organization, and he is now using that knowledge to build a Super App that will revolutionize how people go about fulfilling their daily needs & spend time doing what matters the most to them.

Amin Shaikh

In this age of app-driven convenience, each individual is striving to save time. This demand for apps nudged both Kamil and Amin to create, implement and bring the ideas of augmenting the synergy and mindset of the people involved in the project. "The completion of our acquisition of Otals is an exciting milestone for us. This transaction is a huge step forward for growing our Super App and will ultimately enable us to achieve our vision to fulfill instant needs in minutes," said Amin Shaikh, Founder & CEO of Instazap.

Kamil Mahajan

This venture is solely commenced by the two brilliant minds to deliver ease to the user's doorsteps in their day-to-day lives with simple clicks. “Our team is excited to be joining such an ambitious and promising brand and welcomes the additional capabilities the platform integration will offer our customers,” said Kamil Mahajan, Founder, Otals & COO, Instazap.

This personalized app is fulfilling instant needs in minutes and is emerging to be your one for all super app for all your daily needs. It provides varied services, which range from getting your favorite meal from a local business, your weekly groceries, last-minute party needs, snack cravings, or getting help from service professionals such as plumbers, carpenters, electronic repairs, craftsmen, etc., with the focus on supporting local businesses & service providers. Since a large population uses smart gadgets, Instazap is set to educate people that one app will take care of their needs. Also, it allows the baby boomers to “get things done” independently.

It can be proudly stated that the magiqué of Amin and Kamil, both immigrants, are working together towards the betterment of the people. Along with transforming the daily hardships of life into an easy one, their quest is to support users and partners. Instazap app, a friend in your pocket, is built on a next-generation module with a people-centric approach and serves innumerable users currently. It is driven by the trust and faith instilled by the loyal customers and partners and has outgrown fulfilling instant needs.