Oireachtas Media Committee to examine AI threats
The Oireachtas Media Committee will hear from the Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett today as part of its examinations into online harms including the risks posed by AI-generated material.
In her opening statement, Ms Hodnett is expected to say that her office will have further responsibilities under the AI Act, including in relation to prohibited AI practices.
"Children can be exposed to inappropriate content and addictive design through AI recommender systems or chatbots," Ms Hodnett will say.
"Generative AI can be used to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and non-consensual intimate imagery. We share the public's concerns about nudification apps," according to the opening statement.
The committee will also hear from officials from the Department of Communications who will outline plans for the integration of an age verification tool into Ireland’s forthcoming digital wallet.
"It is envisaged that a pilot will take place in the coming months, with the support and participation of social media platforms," the officials are expected to say.
"It is important to say that the wallet itself and the age verification tool will be voluntary and that it is intended as one of a number of options for platforms to avail of in order to fulfil their regulatory obligations."
"Participation in the pilot will also be voluntary," according to the opening statement.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Alan Kelly said members are keen to discuss the challenges posed by the dissemination of illegal and harmful AI-generated content, including issues arising from the Grok AI tool.
"The Committee is particularly concerned about the exposure of children and young people to harmful and illegal content online, including AI-generated material," Mr Kelly said.
"It is essential that platforms are robustly regulated and that enforcement mechanisms are effective, and we must ensure that Ireland’s regulatory system keeps pace with technological change, while also working closely with our European partners," he added.
