In an upcoming address to the Children’s Committee, Coimisiún na Meán, the media regulator, is set to caution against the dangers of children placing excessive trust in artificial intelligence (AI). The regulator will emphasize the potential amplification of harmful online content due to children’s reliance on AI systems, which were not primarily designed with their safety in mind.
Risks highlighted by Coimisiún na Meán children’s committee
Niamh Hodnett, the online safety commissioner of Coimisiún na Meán, will express concerns regarding integrating generative AI into various platforms and its potential impacts on children.
Hodnett will underscore the risks associated with AI-generated content, including disseminating unsafe or false information and exposure to age-inappropriate material.
Particularly alarming is the emergence of deepfakes and AI-generated child exploitation material, which pose significant threats to children’s online safety.
Call for regulatory action
Coimisiún na Meán’s warning comes in the wake of discussions within the Oireachtas Children’s Committee regarding Ireland’s insufficient efforts to safeguard children from AI-related risks.
Despite possessing regulatory bodies capable of enforcement, such as the Data Protection Commissioner and Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland has been criticized for inadequately addressing the challenges posed by AI in the digital realm.
Committee members have emphasized the need for robust enforcement measures to protect children from being treated as experimental subjects in the digital landscape.
Response and regulatory measures
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Ireland’s media regulator has welcomed the enforcement of the EU Digital Services Act, granting Coimisiún na Meán enhanced powers to hold digital platforms accountable for safeguarding users, particularly children, online.
As part of its efforts to address AI-related risks, Coimisiún na Meán has incorporated measures into its draft Online Safety Code aimed at protecting children from harmful content. These measures include safety impact assessments and the implementation of safety protocols to mitigate the potential harm caused by AI-driven recommender systems.
