Government quizzed over Facebook lobby claims
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Ex-taoiseach Kenny THE Government was under pressure last night to clarify claims Facebook lobbied politicians – including Enda Kenny.
An Observer article contained what it said were leaks of internal memos linked to the site’s lobbying practices.
The paper published the details, which included a memo sent by Facebook’s chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg.
The email was said to have been sent after she attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2013.
Ms Sandberg allegedly raised concerns a “critical” threat was being posed to the firm by the proposed data protection legislation.
And the article claimed she believed she faced an “uphill battle” over data and privacy.
The report and memo claimed Facebook had a “great relationship” with then-taoiseach Mr Kenny and as Ireland was about to take on the EU Presidency there was an opportunity to effect the new data protection rules.
Efforts were made by the Irish Mirror to contact Mr Kenny last night.
A Government spokesman said: “The Irish Government has a good relationship with all major investors in Ireland.
“The relationship with Facebook is no more nor less close than with any other large firm.” Panti Bliss with SQI co-founder Loretta Cosgrove,
Owen Feeney and Lorna Hennessy Irish participants wave their flags
I feel really lucky and proud because I’m proud of Ireland PANTI BLISS
SYDNEY YESTERDAY
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