AI poses threats to privacy, dignity, and equality if not properly regulated
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) today told the Oireachtas Joint Committee (‘the Committee’) on Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) that Ireland’s approach to AI must be grounded in respect for human rights and equality, not just competitiveness and innovation.
Speaking to the Committee, Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick highlighted both the opportunities and serious risks that come with AI technologies, particularly their potential to harm privacy, dignity, and equality if not properly regulated.
The Commission warned against an anti-regulation discourse which would strip away fundamental rights protection in the interests of corporate profits. Instead, they advised that Ireland now has an opportunity to ensure effective regulation and the protection of fundamental rights for all - particularly groups already facing discrimination such as women, children, disabled people, older people and those from minority ethnic backgrounds.
The recent annual poll published by the Commission showed strong public concern about AI. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of people in Ireland are worried about AI’s impact on society, and only 22% believe the Government is effectively regulating technology companies. Two-thirds (68%) said they are concerned about how AI is being used by Government and public services.
Public trust will only come from strong oversight and clear accountability. The Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service, issued by the Government, currently make no reference to the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty. This omission is extremely concerning, as public bodies have a legal duty to consider equality and human rights in all their work, including how they procure, design and use AI systems.
It is crucial that more clarity is provided around the State’s new multi-authority regulatory model for AI under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. The Commission has been designated as one of Ireland’s nine fundamental rights regulators under Article 77 of the Act, which gives it additional powers to assess how high-risk AI systems affect people’s rights.
To fulfil this role effectively, we need dedicated, ring-fenced, multi-year funding and resources.
Any national approach to AI must include the participation of people most affected, ensuring that the design, development, and regulation of AI systems are inclusive, intersectional, and rights-based from the start.
Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick said:
“We in the Commission stand ready to support the Oireachtas and Government in ensuring that the development and regulation of AI in Ireland is grounded in a human rights and equality framework. This is vital because the decisions made now will shape the future landscape of rights protection for generations to come. We now have the opportunity to build AI that protects people’s dignity and equality and ensure that systems do not deepen inequality and discrimination. Getting this right now will shape the future of human rights protections for generations to come.”