Oireachtas committee issues report on AI and democracy

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence has published its third interim report, focusing on the impact of AI on truth, democracy, and the serious issue of AI-generated non-consensual sexualised imagery, including images involving children. The Committee was established to examine and provide guidance on Ireland’s approach to the ethical development, deployment, and regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. Speaking on the report, Committee Chair Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil TD emphasised the real-world risks exemplified by recent events, including the misuse of AI tools to create sexualised deepfake images without consent and the influence of deepfakes during the 2025 presidential election. These incidents underscore the significant harms AI can cause when deployed without sufficient safeguards. Deputy Ó Cearúil highlighted that effective regulation and innovation must go hand in hand. The report notes an increasing international consensus, supported by calls from major tech companies, for robust governance frameworks to regulate AI responsibly. Key recommendations in the report include:

• Applying strong regulation to AI use in public services, including mandatory retraining for public servants to understand AI systems, ensuring AI supports rather than replaces human decision-making.

• Viewing the GDPR and AI Act as initial steps, with future frameworks prioritising transparency, independent oversight, human control, and protection against discrimination, especially for vulnerable groups.

• Introducing stringent legal assessments and ongoing monitoring of AI products that impact children’s safety and rights, applying EU KIDS Act obligations broadly, and involving young people in policy consultations and governance structures such as the National AI Office.

• Requiring independent testing, auditing, and certification for AI applications posing significant risks to health, safety, or fundamental rights, with ongoing monitoring of system updates.

• Enforcing copyright and intellectual property laws to protect creators’ rights, including journalists’ control over their work and remuneration.

The Committee intends to continue its work monitoring AI’s evolving influence across sectors, expressing gratitude to experts and stakeholders who have contributed to its deliberations. The full report is available through the official Oireachtas channels.