Ireland’s AI Advisory Council has recommended that the Government considers introducing a specific law prohibiting the creation of digital ‘deepfakes’ of individuals without their consent.
Deepfakes are manipulated videos, usually involving the production of a fake ‘face’ constructed by artificial intelligence (AI) that is merged with an authentic video, in order to create footage of an event that never actually took place.
The advice on deepfakes is contained in the latest report from the AI Advisory Council, an independent body established to provide expert advice to the Government on all aspects of AI.
The council comprises leading experts from academia, industry, and civil society.
Its latest report said that the use of biometrics and facial recognition technology brings both opportunities and challenges, and that its use in law enforcement is high-risk, given its impact on fundamental rights.
The council is recommending that responsible implementation of this technology will need to involve addressing a complex web of interconnected issues concerning accuracy, discriminatory effects, data privacy, data security, and fundamental rights.
“This, in turn, requires implementing highly robust legislation, procurement, operational, and accountability frameworks,” the council states.
The report also contains advice regarding the protection of copyright in the creative sector from AI disruption as well as recommendations on the creation of an Irish AI Office to ensure a central point of authority across government when it comes to AI.
In relation to AI’s impact on skills and work, the council is calling on the Government to directly invest in the development of a real-time, publicly available ‘AI Observatory’ that delivers data and insights on a wide range of AI metrics such as labour market dynamics, capital flows, skills development, quality of life enhancement, complementary innovations, public attitudes and much more.
When it comes to education, the Government is being urged to create and publish coordinated and consistent guidelines for the use of generative AI, while ensuring these guidelines remain “live documents” that can be quickly updated as AI technology evolves.
“This report lays out actionable recommendations to ensure Ireland remains competitive in the global AI arena while fostering an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable future,” said Dr Patricia Scanlon, Chair of the AI Advisory Council.
“We look forward to collaborating with the Government to further explore these opportunities and stimulate a forward-thinking dialogue that aligns Ireland’s AI development with best practices and ethical standards, ultimately securing long-term benefits for our economy and society,” Dr Scanlon said.
The council presented the advice papers to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke and the new AI and Digital Transformation Minister of State, Niamh Smyth.
The advice was also sent to the Taoiseach.
“The Council have emphasised that Government must take decisive and informed action to deliver a vision for AI in Ireland,” Mr Burke said.
“These are all important issues that have been raised by the Council and I will ensure that their views and expert advice is considered by Government,” he added.
