Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth meets for engagement with stakeholders regarding “Protection of Children in the use of Artificial Intelligence”

The meeting will hear from representatives from:

Professor Barry O’Sullivan, University College Cork

Ms Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection

Ms Alex Cooney, Chief Executive Officer, Cybersafe Kids

Ms Clare Daly, Director, Cybersafe Kids

Dr Johnny Ryan, Director and Senior Fellow of the Enforce Unit, Irish Council for Civil Liberties

Dr Kris Shrishak, Senior Fellow of the Enforce Unit, Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kathleen Funchion TD said “Our meeting on the use of Artificial Intelligence today will allow the Committee the opportunity to get in-depth information from the stakeholders attending on what safety measures are currently in place for children using this technology.

“We welcome the European Union Parliament’s unanimous approval of the Artificial Intelligence Act recently on February 2, 2024. This landmark legislation seeks to establish a new regulatory framework for AI, acknowledging the crucial role of data in its development while striving to balance innovation with individual rights but we, as a Committee, also note the concerns from commentators that child safety can be strengthened within this legislation.

"At all times, children’s online safety must be the central consideration in all new technology and its utilisation and will use the meeting today to look for more information on how those stakeholders attending feel their services, plans and recommendations and actions can be implemented to continue the common goal of protecting our young people while enabling them access to technologies.”

Read more on the work carried out by The Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality, Integration & Youth

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 4 on Oireachtas TV