Less than half of consumers trust businesses to keep their data safe
Nearly one in four Irish people has had their personal data compromised, new research from eir business reveals, highlighting low levels of consumer confidence in how companies manage and protect customer information.
The survey on the security of Irish businesses also highlighted that almost half (44%) of Irish consumers do not feel informed about how their data is used by companies, while 40% are not confident their data is safe.
The eir business/Amarách survey of 1,000 consumers highlighted concern about how businesses manage the security and transparency of vital personal information.
This vulnerability is reflected in the fact that only 16% of people are confident that Irish businesses are protecting their personal information. Older generations are even less likely to feel comfortable with the security of their online data, with 51% of 55-64-year-olds not trusting businesses to protect their information.
While artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are often suggested for data management, almost half (45%) of those surveyed were still unsure of what benefits AI might bring when dealing with business. However, the expectation of faster (30%) and cheaper (26%) service, alongside 24/7 availability (32%) as a result of AI business processes were highlighted.
Susan Brady, managing director of eir business, said: “Businesses across Ireland are operating in a time of rapid and complex digital change, and consumers are rightly asking for greater protection, greater transparency, and partners they can trust.
“This research highlights that expectation clearly. People want confidence that their data is safe, that companies are accountable, and that technology is being used responsibly. Meeting those expectations isn’t optional, it’s now a core requirement for every organisation.
“As we transform from eir evo to eir business, our focus is on bringing that clarity and confidence to the market. We’re here to give businesses secure, managed solutions they can rely on, supported by the scale, expertise and engineering depth that sits at the heart of this organisation. “Our mission is to make the complex feel effortless, to help organisations stay protected against emerging threats, and to empower them to grow and thrive in a digital-first Ireland.”
Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, added: “The findings of this research send a clear message: customers want greater transparency, stronger protection of their data, and partners they can trust. As Ireland’s digital economy accelerates, businesses of every size are facing rising expectations and increasing complexity.”
The survey of was conducted by Amarách Research across Ireland from 7-13 January 2026.
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