Re: If it's in Ireland ...
"The fact is that Microsoft U.S. could tell its Irish office to send over the data, and the Irish office could hardly refuse to obey an instruction from head office. "
They can if it's illegal under irish law.
Head office might rail about it, but if they sack the refusniks they'll not only be in trouble for attempted illegal activities, they'll also be in deeper trouble for unjustified dismissal.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
