It is claimed that Microsoft's "search and news advertising" business generated some $10.2 billion (€8.7 billion) in the nine months ending March 2025.

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) reprimanded the Department of Social Protection by issuing administrative fines totalling €550,000.

The ICCL claims Microsoft Ireland Operations Ltd is infringing GDPR rules

Ms Cronin acknowledged that gardaí had the right to use the resources and tools to do their work, but this was a departure and was different in terms of scale and reach and the consequences, she said.

The complaint to the Data Protection Commission concerned Google's processing of personal data

There is also an increase of those remanded in pre-trial custody for less serious crime.

The move comes after a report from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Irish Network Against Racism