Best Media, Technology and Telecoms Lawyers in Cobh

About Media, Technology and Telecoms Law in Cobh, Ireland

Media, technology and telecoms law in Cobh sits within the wider Irish and European legal framework, with practical day-to-day issues shaped by local realities in Cork Harbour and East Cork. Whether you run a tourism website, a creative studio, a software startup, an e-commerce platform, or you are installing telecoms infrastructure, you are subject to a mix of Irish statutes, EU regulations, industry codes, and local planning rules. Typical topics include data protection and cookies, online consumer rights, intellectual property, defamation and reputational risk, content and broadcasting standards, advertising compliance, cybersecurity, contracts for software and digital services, and network and spectrum regulation for communications providers.

In Cobh, local considerations often include planning permissions for masts and street works, filming and events management, maritime and drone operations around the harbour, and connectivity projects under the National Broadband Plan. Many businesses serve both local and international users, so cross-border compliance and platform terms also matter.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are launching or scaling a product or service that handles personal data, publishes content, or provides connectivity. Common triggers include drafting or reviewing website and app terms, privacy notices and cookies policies, negotiating software development, licensing or SaaS agreements, clearing rights for photos, music and video, responding to takedown requests or online defamation threats, complying with consumer and advertising rules for e-commerce and influencer marketing, handling a data breach and notifications, resolving a dispute with an internet or mobile provider, and planning telecoms infrastructure or street works that require permits and wayleave agreements.

Legal advice can also be important when incorporating a company and protecting IP, registering trade marks, securing domain names, managing employee and contractor IP assignments, conducting due diligence before investment, and ensuring compliance with broadcasting and online safety rules if you operate a channel, podcast, stream, or user-generated content platform.

Local Laws Overview

Data protection and privacy are governed by the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018. Websites and apps must comply with Ireland’s e-privacy rules on cookies and electronic communications. If you sell to consumers, the Consumer Rights Act 2022 sets standards for digital content, digital services, goods with digital elements, refunds and repair rights, and pre-contract information. The E-Commerce Act 2000 addresses online contracts and the legal effect of electronic communications and signatures.

Intellectual property rights include copyright under the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, trade marks under the Trade Marks Act 1996, patents and designs, and database rights. Using third-party content often requires licences. Defamation risk arises under the Defamation Act 2009, so pre-publication review and robust notice-and-takedown processes are important. Harmful online communications and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images are criminal offences under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.

Audio-visual and online safety regulation flows from the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 and the EU Audio-Visual Media Services framework. Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, sets standards, registers services, and enforces rules for broadcasting and certain online services. Advertising and influencer marketing should comply with the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland Code and disclosure guidance.

Telecoms are regulated under the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the European Electronic Communications Code as implemented in Ireland. The Commission for Communications Regulation oversees spectrum, numbering, consumer rights, universal service, and market competition. Providers have obligations on service quality, switching, and complaint handling. Data retention and lawful access requirements apply to certain providers under Irish legislation.

Cybersecurity rules apply to many operators and service providers under Ireland’s Network and Information Systems Regulations and evolving EU standards. Public bodies are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and open data rules. In Cobh, planning for telecoms masts, cabinets, ducts and filming on public property is handled by Cork County Council under the Planning and Development Acts and national guidelines. Drone operations must follow Irish Aviation Authority requirements and respect privacy and local restrictions near the harbour and populated areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permission to film or photograph in Cobh and publish online

Filming on private property requires the owner’s permission. For public spaces, you may need permits or event approvals from Cork County Council, and separate permissions for road closures or traffic management. If people are identifiable, you should assess privacy and data protection issues and seek releases where appropriate, especially for commercial use. You must also clear copyright, trade marks, and music used in your content. For drones, Irish Aviation Authority rules apply in addition to any local permissions.

Do I need a licence to use music in videos, streams, or podcasts

Yes in most cases. Music typically involves multiple rights, such as the composition and the sound recording. Licences may be required for syncing music to video, streaming, downloading, or public performance. In Ireland, rights are commonly managed by collecting societies and record industry bodies. Platform tools that offer licensed music do not usually cover use outside the platform’s terms. A lawyer can help you determine what licences you need for your specific distribution channels.

What are the cookie and privacy requirements for my website

You need a transparent privacy notice and a cookie policy that explain what data you collect, why you collect it, and users’ rights. Non-essential cookies, including analytics and advertising cookies, generally require prior consent via a compliant banner with clear choices. You must keep consent records and provide an easy opt-out. If you use third-party tools or embed content, you remain responsible for ensuring a lawful basis and proper disclosures.

Are my online terms enforceable and what should they include

Online terms can be enforceable if presented clearly and accepted properly. For consumer sites, terms should be fair, transparent, and compliant with the Consumer Rights Act 2022 and unfair terms rules. Core elements usually include service description, pricing, renewal and cancellation, delivery, warranties, liability limits, IP ownership, user content rules, acceptable use, governing law and jurisdiction, dispute resolution, and contact details. Incorporate your privacy and cookies notices by reference, and ensure checkout flows capture valid consent to terms.

How do I minimise defamation risk when publishing

Adopt a pre-publication checklist that verifies facts, checks sources, and secures contemporaneous notes and documentation. Use fair and accurate reporting, offer a right of reply where appropriate, and avoid unnecessary allegations. Have a clear takedown and complaints process and train moderators for user-generated content. If you receive a legal letter, do not ignore it. Early legal review can help you assess truth, honest opinion, or privilege defences and reduce exposure.

Are e-signatures valid in Ireland

Yes. Under the E-Commerce Act 2000 and EU eIDAS rules, electronic signatures are generally valid, with higher assurance levels available for sensitive transactions. Some documents still require a wet-ink signature or witnessing by law, such as certain property or probate documents. Choose an e-signature solution appropriate to the risk, and keep audit trails to evidence execution and intent.

What are the rules for influencers and online ads

Ads must be legal, decent, honest, and truthful under the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland Code. Influencers should clearly label sponsored content and any material connection to a brand using clear disclosures, and comply with platform policies. Claims must be substantiated, targeting should respect privacy and children’s protections, and you should comply with consumer protection laws on pricing, promotions, and reviews. Contracts between brands and creators should address disclosure, IP, approvals, usage rights, and compliance responsibilities.

What should I do after a data breach

Act quickly. Identify and contain the incident, preserve logs and evidence, and assess the risk to individuals. If the breach is likely to result in a risk to rights and freedoms, you must notify the Data Protection Commission without undue delay and generally within 72 hours of becoming aware, and inform affected people where required. Review contracts with processors, document your decisions, and implement remediation. Legal advice can help you triage obligations, coordinate communications, and manage regulatory engagement.

Can I fly a drone to capture footage of Cobh and Cork Harbour

Drone operators must follow Irish Aviation Authority rules on registration, training, and operational categories, including restrictions near people, buildings, and sensitive sites. You must respect privacy and data protection if you record identifiable individuals. Additional permissions may be needed for take-off and landing in public spaces or for commercial shoots. Always check local notices and maritime or port restrictions before flying.

What can I do if my broadband or mobile provider is not delivering the contracted service

Start by reviewing your contract and the provider’s service level commitments and complaints process. Collect evidence such as speed tests, outage logs, and correspondence. If the issue is not resolved, you can escalate a complaint to the Commission for Communications Regulation. You may have rights to remedies, refunds, or termination depending on the circumstances. A lawyer can help where there are contract disputes, unfair terms, or complex business service agreements.

Additional Resources

Coimisiún na Meán - Ireland’s media and online safety regulator responsible for broadcasting standards, registration, and online safety oversight.

Commission for Communications Regulation - The national telecoms regulator responsible for spectrum, numbering, consumer protection, and market regulation.

Data Protection Commission - Ireland’s supervisory authority for data protection and GDPR compliance, guidance, and enforcement.

Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland - Independent self-regulatory body that publishes the advertising code and guidance on influencer disclosures.

Intellectual Property Office of Ireland - National office for trade marks, patents, and designs, and guidance on IP protection and filing.

Irish Music Rights Organisation and Phonographic Performance Ireland - Collective management bodies for music rights and recordings commonly used in licensing.

IE Domain Registry - The registry for .ie domain names with policies on eligibility, disputes, and transfers.

Cork County Council - Local authority responsible for planning permissions, filming permits for public spaces, and road or event approvals in Cobh.

Screen Ireland and Irish Film Classification Office - National bodies relevant to film production support and classification requirements.

Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman - Independent bodies for press standards and complaints handling.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals and risks. Write down what you want to achieve, your timelines, the platforms you use, and any regulatory touchpoints such as data processing, advertising, or connectivity obligations.

Gather key documents. Prepare drafts of your terms and policies, contracts, licences, correspondence, service agreements, and any regulatory notices. Keep technical evidence such as audit logs, speed tests, or cookie scanner reports.

Map your data and IP. List what personal data you process, where it flows, your processors, and any international transfers. Catalogue your content, code, trade marks, and licences, and note any third-party materials.

Assess urgency. Short deadlines apply to issues like data breach notifications and defamation responses. Early advice can preserve options and reduce exposure.

Consult a solicitor with media, technology, and telecoms experience. Ask about relevant sector expertise, availability for urgent work, fee structures, and proposed scope. If your matter spans multiple areas, check that your lawyer can coordinate with specialists in IP, data protection, advertising, or planning.

Implement and review. After you receive advice, roll out practical measures such as policy updates, staff training, contract changes, and technical controls. Schedule periodic reviews to stay aligned with evolving Irish and EU rules and local requirements in Cobh.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you have a specific problem, you should obtain advice tailored to your circumstances.