AI advisory council report calls for law to ban 'deepfakes' of people

In education, the AI advisory council recommended that the Government creates consistent guidelines for when generative AI can be used in educational settings.

A new law to ban “deepfakes” of individuals using artificial intelligence is one of a slew of recommendations made to Government by its AI advisory council.

In a series of reports published on Friday, the AI advisory council urged what ministers described as “decisive and informed action to deliver a vision for AI in Ireland”.

In its reports, the council singled out specific areas where Ireland needs to strengthen its approach to AI, including in education and in the creative arts.

In education, it recommended that the Government creates consistent guidelines for when generative AI can be used in educational settings.

In the creative sector, the council said measures must be taken to protect artists and address AI misuse, including the extension of the universal basic income pilot to support creators affected by AI disruption and the revision of copyright laws to protect creators.

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“In light of the potential misuse of AI, such as widely available technology that can digitally clone the image, likeness, and/or voice of individuals, the council recommends that the Government considers introducing a specific law prohibiting the creation of digital ‘deep fakes’ of individuals without their consent,” it said.

Earlier this week, politicians expressed concerns about the impact of deepfakes following a report in the Irish Mail on Sunday that gardaí were investigating a fake-AI generated pornographic image of Fianna Fáil candidate and former TV presenter Gráinne Seoige during the recent election campaign.

Garda facial recognition technology

Separately, the council said that if a decision is made to legislate for the use of facial recognition technology by An Garda Síochána, this legislation must clearly indicate the underlying legal basis for it and parameters for how facial recognition databases will be compiled.

It added: “We must urgently and proactively initiate a national dialogue on AI and data sovereignty, and recognise the cultural and economic necessity for Ireland to develop its own indigenous AI capability.

“AI is fundamentally enabled by data and energy, and we have work to do on both fronts to ensure Ireland fairly participates in the future AI economy.” 

Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said the reports from the council have raised important issues and he would ensure that this expert advice is considered by Government.