Children’s Rights Alliance Warns of AI Dangers Ahead of Oireachtas Debate on EU AI Act

The Children’s Rights Alliance has warned of the dangers posed by the rapid advancement of AI technologies without proper regulation, particularly concerning children’s safety and welfare. This call comes ahead of the Oireachtas debate on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, which implements the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and is scheduled to come before the Dáil today.

Minister of State for AI, Niamh Smyth, stated the legislation aims to build institutional foundations for ethical, transparent, and accountable AI. She added that meeting AI Act obligations will strengthen Ireland’s position as an EU digital regulatory hub during its upcoming EU Council Presidency.

However, the Children's Rights Alliance, through Online Safety Coordinator Noeline Blackwell, expressed concerns about gaps in the proposed legislation, specifically its failure to recognize children as a vulnerable category. Blackwell highlighted that children are engaging with unregulated AI systems, which can amplify harms like child sexual abuse material and create new risks such as deepfakes. The Alliance urged political leaders to prioritize children’s online safety over industry advancements and profit margins, especially as Ireland assumes the EU Council Presidency. The Children’s Rights Alliance will host a political panel discussion today on AI and accountability.