Children at risk of 'very real danger' from AI

The Children’s Rights Alliance has called on Government to consider the "very real danger" that exists through the rapid advance of AI technologies without proper regulation or regard for children’s safety or welfare.

The group made the call ahead of the debate in the Oireachtas of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, which will give effect to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act.

The Bill is due to come before the Dáil later today

The Minister of State with responsibility for AI, Niamh Smyth, said the legislation is about building the institutional foundations for a future in which AI works for people, ethically, transparently and accountably.

"As Ireland prepares to start its Presidency of the Council of the EU, meeting our obligations under the AI Act will strengthen our position as an EU centre of excellence and digital regulatory hub and demonstrate our commitment to online safety and to fostering and promoting responsible AI innovation and adoption both in Ireland and in Europe," Ms Smyth said.

The Children's Rights Alliance, however, said it has concerns that there are gaps in the proposed legislation including its failure to recognise children as a vulnerable category.

"With the rapid advances in AI technology, we see once again that, while lip service is paid to children’s safety online, the reality is that children and young people are engaging with unregulated systems and products," said Noeline Blackwell, Online Safety Coordinator at the Children’s Rights Alliance.

"While this may be empowering and valuable, it can at the same time amplify existing harms such as the production of child sexual abuse material, and create new ones such as deepfakes."

"As we take the mantle of the Presidency of the EU Council for the next six months, all eyes will be on our political leaders."

"They need to prove that children’s safety online comes first and before industry advancements and big tech’s profit margins," Ms Blackwell said.

The Children’s Rights Alliance will hold a political panel discussion today on AI and accountability.

Read more: Protecting children online one of the goals for Ireland's EU Presidency, Taoiseach says