Cybersecurity Policy Report, Toolkit for Vulnerable Adult Data Protection Published by Irish DPC, (Jul 31, 2025)

By Tony Foley

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has published a toolkit to provide organizations and individuals with guidance and resources to protect the personal data of vulnerable adults, aiming to ensure compliance with data protection legislation and promote best practices in safeguarding sensitive personal information.

In a press release today announcing the publication, the DPC said the term “at-risk/vulnerable adult” described a person that, by reason of physical or mental condition or other specified characteristics (either temporary or permanent), is in a vulnerable situation and needs support to protect themselves from harm. Conditions indicative of this status include cognitive impairment, dementia, a brain injury, or children with special needs who have reached the age of maturity, among others.

The toolkit offers comprehensive guidance on the collection, storage, use, and sharing of data related to vulnerable adults in compliance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Ireland’s Data Protection Act, which implements the GDPR. It includes practical advice, templates, and examples to help organizations implement effective data protection measures.

“The safety of vulnerable groups was recognised as a key priority in the DPC’s Regulatory Strategy 2022-2027,” DPC Commissioners Des Hogan and Dale Sunderland said. “We know how vulnerable adults can face unique challenges in protecting their personal data and with this new toolkit which we are delighted to launch today, organisations now have the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard this information and ensure the rights of vulnerable individuals are respected at all times."

"The DPC developed this document through close and valuable collaboration with stakeholders in the safeguarding sector,” added DPC Deputy Commissioner David Murphy. “The Toolkit will help organisations working with at-risk adults, particularly in health and social care settings. It will help staff make confident decisions around data protection, including data sharing, based on an informed assessment of risk, and guided by their own professional expertise social care services and knowledge.”

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