What is artificial intelligence?
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law defines Artificial Intelligence as:
“An “artificial intelligence system” is a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations or decisions that may influence physical or virtual environments. Different artificial intelligence systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptiveness after deployment.”
What has artificial intelligence got to do with human rights and equality?
AI offers chances, but it also brings risks to human rights, the rule of law, and democracy.
AI has great potential to change the world. But, it also brings serious risks. These risks can affect equality, human rights, the rule of law, and democracy. The State must have strong oversight to make sure AI technologies follow human rights. This means protecting democracy and avoiding discrimination and bias. It's important to keep vulnerable groups and society safe from harmful effects.
Are there laws about artificial intelligence?
Ireland has no specialised artificial intelligence legislation. The Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, along with data protection laws from the Data Protection Acts 1988-2018 and the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019, provide some protection.
International Laws
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence is the first international treaty that is legally binding. It focuses on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The EU AI Act became law on 1 August 2024. It will be fully in effect by 2 August 2026, but there are some exceptions:
- prohibitions and AI literacy obligations entered into application from 2 February 2025
- governance rules and the obligations for general-purpose AI models become applicable on 2 August 2025
- the rules for high-risk AI systems - embedded into regulated products - have an extended transition period until 2 August 2027
What is IHREC doing on artificial intelligence
AI is an important issue for IHREC. AI has great potential, but it also poses risks to equality, human rights, and democracy. So, it is vital for the State to set up strong oversight. This will help make sure AI is developed and used to respect human rights, protect democracy, and prevent discrimination. It is important to safeguard vulnerable groups and society as a whole.
We have recently been made a Designated Authority under Article 77 of the AI Act. Our role is to make sure that people’s rights are respected when high-risk AI systems are being used.
We warned that some groups might face more challenges with AI. This includes problems with accessibility. It also covers the risks of bias and discrimination when accessing platforms and services.
We belong to the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet) and the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI). Both networks are involved in monitoring European AI regulations. We are collaborating to identify equality and human rights issues for future national AI oversight.
We have called for a framework to support national supervisory authorities. This includes their independence, enough resources, and all powers needed to do their jobs effectively.