Yahoo moves services to Irish hub

Yahoo’s Irish hub has begun to take on responsibility for providing some of the company’s major services, as part of the expansion announced last year.

Customers were being contacted this week to inform them of the move, which will see services for Yahoo’s Mail, Messenger, Answers, Maps, Ad Free Mail, Mail Plus, Toolbar and Flickr service provided by Yahoo’s European, Middle East and Africa operation, which is based in Ireland.

That means the services will now be provided under Irish law and subject to data protection regulations here, with the Dublin office replacing other offices as the data controller responsible for handling personal information for the affected services.

The company has distanced itself from suggestions that the move is influenced by tax reasons.

“Yahoo pays all taxes required and complies with tax laws in all countries where we operate,” a spokesperson for the company said. “We take our tax obligations seriously, and work closely with national tax authorities around the world to ensure compliance with local law.”

It said the move was part of its decision last year to expand its Irish operation, adding 200 jobs across customer support, technology, operations, HR and finance to support Yahoo’s business in the region. The company currently employs more than 270 people here.

Details of the transition emerged as Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore prepare to meet OECD officials in Paris today (Friday) during a day of discussions between the think tank and Irish policymakers on Ireland’s post-bailout prospects and policydirection.

Some of the services are currently under the responsibility of Yahoo UK and other European offices. However, the change, which will come into effect from March 21st, will have the biggest impact on the company’s offices in Switzerland and Cairo, a spokeswoman for Yahoo said. Those offices are believed to be closing, although other European locations will remain unaffected by staff cuts.

In a statement posted on its blog, Yahoo said the decision was driven by business needs and a desire to encourage more collaboration and innovation.

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