Ireland's Data Protection Commission is owed more than E4 billion in fines imposed on companies, primarily Big Tech firms. Most of the penalties remain unpaid due to ongoing legal challenges.

Figures released under Freedom of Information laws show the watchdog collected only E125,000 from over E530 million in fines issued last year. Similar patterns have persisted across several previous years.

Since 2020, the commission has levied E4.04 billion in data protection penalties. Just E20 million has been paid, while the remaining balance is tied up in appeals before Irish and EU courts.

The regulator states that legislation prevents enforcement until the court proceedings conclude. Several cases hinge on a landmark WhatsApp ruling at the EU's top court, expected to shape future collections.