The Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence to discuss recent issues around images, deepfakes and consent and AI: truth and democracy

The Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Deputy Malcolm Byrne, will meet to discuss recent issues around images, deepfakes and consent, and AI: truth and democracy on Tuesday, the 24th of February, at 11.00 am in Committee Room 4.

The Committee meeting will split into two sessions with witnesses from the Data Protection Commission,Coimisiún na Meán and Google.

Speaking before the meeting, the Cathaoirleach Deputy Malcolm Byrne said:

"As previous Committee meetings have highlighted, technology companies must support the role of democracy and truth in our society. Our meeting this week will focus the online harms that have become apparent in recent months with misinformation, disinformation and harmful non-consensual material being circulated online.

Under the AI Act, platforms will be prohibited from deploying AI systems that are manipulative, deceptive or exploitative and cause users to take actions that cause serious harm and transparency obligations by labelling deep fakes. The Committee also wants to explore how the State can use generative AI products safely to ensure better delivery of public services.

The Committee looks forward to engaging with the regulatory bodies and our tech representative Google on how best to move forward and improve online safety for our democracy."

The Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The Committee meeting can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.