Public asked for their views on artificial intelligence

Interested parties are being asked for their views on the implementation of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, which was formally adopted on 21 May.

The rules were introduced to govern AI and are designed to protect people from the possible risks of the technology while also fostering innovation.

AI tools deemed to be a danger to humanity will be banned while high-risk AI providers must conduct risk assessments and ensure their products comply with the law before they are made available to the public.

There are strict bans on using AI for predictive policing and systems that use biometric information to infer an individual’s race, religion or sexual orientation.

The rules also ban real-time facial recognition in public spaces but with some exceptions for law enforcement, although police must seek approval from a judicial authority before any AI deployment.

Prohibitions on banned AI systems must come into force within 6 months, while enforcement measures and penalties must be in place within 12 months.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is leading Ireland’s implementation of the AI Act and is seeking submissions from interested parties to guide it in this work.

“We want views on how the Act might operate with existing digital markets, services, and infrastructure and to consider how it can enhance Ireland’s position as a leading Digital Economy,” said Minister of State for Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary.

“The ambitious timeline for implementation calls for a collective approach, and in this vein, I would encourage all interested parties to participate in this public consultation,” Mr Calleary said.

The consultation document is available on the Department of Enterprise website and interested parties have until 16 July to submit a response.