Dublin, 3 December 2025 – Hundreds of businesses across Ireland’s digital, retail and ecommerce sectors gathered today seeking guidance on digital regulatory compliance from the Data Protection Commission (DPC). 

Digital Business Ireland (DBI), hosts of the online session, said the strong attendance of businesses reflects growing concern about incoming regulatory obligations, and called on the Government to accelerate the provision of practical guidance to help businesses meet their digital compliance responsibilities. 

The webinar included a presentation from Claire Lehane, Assistant Commissioner with the DPC on ‘Practical GDPR Advice for 2026’, followed by a Q&A where she and Victor Timon, DBI vice-chair, partner and head of technology with Byrne Wallace Shields LLP, took questions from attendees.  

Following the event, DBI vice-chair Victor Timon said:  

“Businesses are committed to meeting their compliance obligations, but many lack the practical guidance needed to prepare effectively for upcoming 2026 deadlines. Today’s turnout of businesses demonstrates the scale of demand for clarity.  

Regulatory compliance and digital competitiveness are now inseparable, and Digital Business Ireland will continue to lead the way with webinars such as todays, while continuing to lobby Government for increased advisory and support services for businesses to ensure that firms can meet the increased burden of digital regulation being imposed on them.” 

Earlier this year DBI issued a position paper on ‘Balancing Digital Compliance and Growth’ which set out the need for enhanced advice and support for businesses, particularly in light of the massive increase in digital regulation coming from the EU. 

The event was held ahead of significant upcoming changes to Ireland’s regulatory landscape, with businesses preparing for new and updated obligations amid a host of measures from the European Commission between the Digital Services Act (DSA), Digital Markets Act (DMA), and GDPR amendments under the Digital Omnibus Package. Taken together, these measures represent the most substantial shift in digital and data regulation in a decade. 

 DBI said today’s engagement shows that SMEs in particular will need clear and timely guidance from the Government and regulators to adapt to the rapidly changing compliance environment.