Best Media, Technology and Telecoms Lawyers in Passage West

About Media, Technology and Telecoms Law in Passage West, Ireland

Media, technology and telecoms in Passage West operate within Ireland’s national legal framework, which itself is closely aligned with European Union rules. Although Passage West is a coastal town in County Cork, the issues that arise for residents, creators, startups and network providers are the same as in larger Irish cities. Day to day matters include online content and advertising rules, data protection and cybersecurity, copyright and licensing, consumer rights for digital services, telecoms infrastructure and spectrum use, and planning permission for masts and broadband works. Regulation is shared among specialist national bodies, with Cork County Council handling local planning and street works approvals that affect premises and public roads in and around Passage West.

For businesses and individuals, this area of law spans everything from defamation and privacy on social media to software and SaaS contracts, from drone filming and podcast music licensing to telecoms service quality and switching. Because Irish and EU rules are intertwined and change regularly, getting clear legal guidance early can prevent costly disputes and compliance issues later.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are a content creator or local business dealing with copyright, image rights, defamation concerns, platform takedowns or influencer agreements. A solicitor can help you clear rights, draft licences, manage takedown notices, and respond to complaints without escalating liability.

Startups and tech companies in Passage West often need tailored terms of service, privacy notices and data processing agreements, plus advice on cookies, analytics and customer communications. A lawyer can align your documentation with Irish and EU requirements, including consumer rights for digital content and services.

Telecoms issues arise when installing customer networks, operating public Wi‑Fi, negotiating building wayleaves, or planning masts and small cells. Legal input helps with ComReg obligations, spectrum and equipment compliance, service level agreements, and planning applications to Cork County Council.

If you experience a data breach, there are strict reporting timelines and notification duties. Counsel can triage the incident, coordinate notifications to the Data Protection Commission, affected users and other stakeholders, and help reduce regulatory exposure.

Disputes with platforms, suppliers or customers benefit from early legal strategy. A lawyer can interpret contracts, handle pre‑action correspondence, manage Alternative Dispute Resolution, and protect your position if litigation cannot be avoided.

Local Laws Overview

Data protection and privacy. The EU General Data Protection Regulation applies in Ireland and is supported by the Data Protection Act 2018. Most websites and apps must use consent for non‑essential cookies and similar tracking under Irish e‑privacy rules. Controllers must be transparent, respect access and erasure rights, maintain records, and notify most personal data breaches within 72 hours.

Online content and media regulation. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 established Coimisiun na Mean as Ireland’s media and online safety regulator. The EU Digital Services Act now applies across the EU and sets due diligence duties for online intermediaries, including notice‑and‑action systems for illegal content. Advertising in Ireland is also guided by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland Code.

Copyright, licensing and creative rights. The Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 protects literary, musical, film and software works. Using music or images typically requires permission from rights holders or collecting societies. Fair dealing exceptions are narrow and should not be assumed to cover commercial use.

Defamation and personality rights. The Defamation Act 2009 governs statements that harm reputation, including online posts and reviews. Prompt, careful response strategies are important when sending or receiving legal complaints or takedown requests. Privacy and harassment laws, including harmful communications offences, can also apply to online conduct.

Consumer and e‑commerce rules. The Consumer Rights Act 2022 modernised protections for goods, digital content and digital services, including remedies for faulty apps and subscription traps, and rules on transparency and price reductions. The E‑Commerce Regulations require service provider identification details and govern liability for hosting user content.

Telecoms regulation. ComReg regulates electronic communications and spectrum under the Communications Regulation Acts and the European Union Electronic Communications Code Regulations 2022. Providers must meet contract transparency and switching rules, number portability, and service quality standards. Radio equipment must comply with technical and safety standards before being placed on the market.

Planning and infrastructure. Telecoms masts, cabinets, antennas and street works are subject to the Planning and Development Acts and Regulations, administered locally by Cork County Council. Some minor works may be exempt, but most new masts or significant alterations require permission and public consultation. Environmental, visual amenity and electromagnetic field compliance are typical considerations.

Cybersecurity. Operators of essential services and certain digital service providers are subject to network and information security duties under Irish NIS regulations. Even where not in scope, businesses should adopt proportionate safeguards, incident response plans, and contractual cybersecurity requirements for vendors.

Drones and filming. EU drone rules apply in Ireland. Registration, competency and category limitations depend on the drone and operation. Filming people can trigger data protection duties, and takeoff or landing often requires the landowner’s consent, including on waterfronts and local amenities in Passage West.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need consent for cookies and analytics on my website or app

Yes for most non‑essential cookies, including analytics that are not strictly necessary for the service. You should provide a clear banner, obtain prior consent by category, and offer an easy way to withdraw consent. Your privacy and cookie notices must accurately describe what you do.

Can I record a phone call or meeting without telling the other person

Ireland generally allows one‑party recordings where you are a participant, but covert interception of communications you are not part of is unlawful. Even lawful recordings raise privacy and data protection issues, especially if you share or publish them. Seek advice before using recordings in a dispute or posting them online.

What should I do if someone posts a defamatory comment about my business on a local forum or social media

Do not engage publicly. Preserve screenshots and URLs with timestamps. Use the platform’s reporting tools and send a precise notice identifying the defamatory content and why it is unlawful under Irish law. Consider a solicitor’s letter requesting removal and an apology. Time is important because further publication can increase damage.

I run a café in Passage West. Do I need a licence to play music or run a podcast in the shop

If you play copyrighted music, you typically need public performance licences from the relevant collecting societies. For podcasts, avoid using commercial music unless you have the correct licences. Using royalty‑free libraries or commissioned music with clear licences is often simpler.

We are launching a SaaS product. What key legal documents do we need

At minimum, terms of service, a privacy notice, a data processing agreement for business customers, a cookie policy if you use tracking, and acceptable use rules. If you sell to consumers, ensure compliance with the Consumer Rights Act 2022 on digital content, cancellations and refunds. Clear SLAs, IP ownership clauses and limitation of liability are essential.

How do telecoms masts or small cells get approved locally

Most installations require planning permission from Cork County Council. Applicants address siting, visual impact, environmental considerations and compliance with electromagnetic field guidelines. Some minor upgrades may be exempt. Consultation with affected landowners and proper wayleave agreements are critical.

What are my obligations if my business suffers a data breach

Assess quickly whether personal data is involved, contain the incident, keep records, and decide if notification to the Data Protection Commission is required within 72 hours. If there is high risk to individuals, you must also inform them. Review contracts with processors and implement remedial security measures.

Can I use images or text found on the internet for my website or social media

Not without permission unless a clear exception applies. Most online content is protected by copyright. Use licensed stock, obtain permission from the owner, or rely on your own creative work. Always credit as required by the licence, and keep proof of permissions.

Are influencer posts by local creators subject to advertising rules

Yes. Posts that are paid for or involve free products are ads and must be clearly labeled as such. Claims must be truthful and substantiated. Influencers and brands share responsibility for compliance, so contracts should allocate duties and approval rights.

Can I offer free public Wi‑Fi in my premises without extra legal steps

You can, but you should provide terms of use, manage security, and consider a consent screen for any tracking. Avoid storing unnecessary logs. If you capture personal data, you become a controller and must comply with data protection rules. Clear signage and a simple captive portal can help set expectations.

Additional Resources

ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation, for telecoms, spectrum and customer rights information.

Coimisiun na Mean, Ireland’s media and online safety regulator, for broadcasting and online platform obligations.

Data Protection Commission, for guidance on GDPR, cookies and breach notification.

Cork County Council Planning Department, for telecoms masts, street works and local permissions in Passage West.

Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, for the advertising and influencer marketing code.

IMRO and related music rights organisations, for public performance and online music licensing queries.

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, for consumer law guidance on digital services and subscriptions.

Irish Aviation Authority, for drone registration and operational rules.

National Cyber Security Centre, for cybersecurity guidance and incident preparedness.

Companies Registration Office, for company formation, filings and disclosure obligations.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal and gather the facts. Write down what has happened, relevant dates, who is involved, and your desired outcome. Save copies of contracts, screenshots, emails, policies, invoices and any planning or regulatory correspondence.

Assess urgency. Deadlines can be short for data breaches, platform takedowns, defamation responses, and planning appeals. If time sensitive, contact a solicitor immediately and say so when booking.

Seek specialist advice. Look for a solicitor with media, technology or telecoms experience in County Cork. Ask about similar matters they have handled, likely strategies and timeframes, and request a concise written scope of work.

Agree fees and communication. Discuss fee structures, expected costs for early steps like a compliance review or a letter before action, and how updates will be provided. Clarify who on the team will handle your matter.

Implement quick wins. Update your cookie banner and privacy notice, pause problematic campaigns, secure systems after an incident, or withdraw contentious posts while you take advice. Early, modest adjustments can reduce risk and cost.

Plan for compliance. Build a short roadmap that covers policies, contracts, licences, and training relevant to your situation. Revisit the plan after key milestones such as product launches, funding rounds or network upgrades.

This guide is for general information only. For advice on your specific circumstances in Passage West and greater Cork, consult a qualified Irish solicitor.