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Pope Leo XIV has said he vetoed a proposal for the creation of an AI-powered virtual Pope because of its impact on "human dignity". The bizarre idea has been brought to light in a new biography by journalist Elise Ann Allen, which is out now in Spanish and to be published in English next year.

William Fry has been ranked as Ireland's most innovative law firm for a second consecutive year. The Financial Times Innovative Lawyer Report 2025, which profiles the 50 most innovative law firms in Europe, placed William Fry as the highest-ranking Irish firm, recognising its standout achievements i

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has said it is "extremely concerned" by reports that location data from tens of thousands of Irish smartphones is available for purchase. An undercover investigation by RTÉ Prime Time found that data showing the specific movement of tens of thousands of sm

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has confirmed plans to appeal before the Supreme Court in a case concerning the human rights of asylum seekers who have not been provided with accommodation. The High Court ruled in August 2024 that the State had breached the human right to dignity of 2

Fifteen government bodies have been given responsibility for enforcing the new EU AI Act in a major milestone for Ireland's implementation of the landmark law. Ireland has adopted a distributed model of competent authorities for the EU AI Act, with a designated central authority to provide coordinat

A law firm is suing Disney in a bid to use Mickey Mouse in its TV adverts. Florida-headquartered personal injury firm Morgan & Morgan has created a black-and-white animated advert based on Mickey's first cartoon, Steamboat Willie.

A round-up of human rights stories from around the world. After two heart attacks, rights groups urge release of Hoda Abdel Moneim | Al Manassa

Solicitors in England and Wales could be banned from advertising their services on a "no win, no fee" basis under plans being considered by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA).

The Labour Court has ordered a tech company to pay over half a million US dollars to its Irish founder after the firm failed in its appeal against what it claimed to be an "excessive" unfair dismissal award. It follows a significant ruling by the appellate court that because of his high pay and past

Niamh Sweeney is to be appointed as a commissioner for data protection. There will now three data protection commissioners, following the appointment of Dr Des Hogan and Dale Sunderland in February 2024.

Legislation regulating the use of facial recognition technology in serious criminal investigations and establishing the National Cyber Security Centre on a statutory footing are among the bills featured in the government's legislative programme for autumn 2025. This autumn's programme sees 34 bills

Matheson has struck a deal to supply its Irish offices with renewable electricity from a proposed wind farm development in Co Cavan. The corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) signed by Matheson and Flogas, part of DCC plc, will provide the firm with a long-term 15-year supply of renewable electr

The Irish government has confirmed plans to ratify the first dedicated global treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in international waters. The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biolo

Browne Jacobson has appointed Marie-Claire Scullion as partner and head of employment in Ireland.

William Fry has welcomed the arrival of 12 corporate/M&A lawyers from Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, including partners Gerard Ryan, Enda Newton, Gavin O'Flaherty and Maria O'Brien. Mr Ryan is the former head of corporate at Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, which was previously involved in merger ta