The Social Democrats today launched their Digital and Online Safety policy.<\/p>\n
It was launched by Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon and Sin\u00e9ad Gibney, the party\u2019s general election candidate in Dublin Rathdown, who has considerable expertise in this area and had significant input into the drafting of the policy document.<\/p>\n
Among the measures proposed is the introduction of a domestic framework for stronger regulation of the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with particular attention paid to the role of large technology companies, in line with recent European directives and regulations.<\/p>\n
The Social Democrats also outlined plans for a Joint Oireachtas Committee to develop a national strategy on AI, with a focus on Irish democracy, as well as individual and community rights.<\/p>\n
In addition, the policy proposes tighter regulation of online platforms, including extra safeguards to protect children.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Gary Gannon said:<\/p>\n
\u201cMisinformation, disinformation and mal-information are arguably the biggest threats to our democracy and to the rule of law. To combat this, we would establish a unit in the Department of the Taoiseach and appoint a Chief Information Security Officer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a clear need for legislation to strengthen the legal framework around the publishing responsibilities and obligations of online platforms. We believe that social media and other internet platforms should be transparent about their content moderation decisions, and do what they can to prevent dangerous disinformation from going viral and muddying the media landscape.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must also do more to ensure the online safety of our citizens, particularly children and young people. Our policy sets out in detail how, in government, we would achieve this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sin\u00e9ad Gibney said:<\/p>\n
\u201cArtificial Intelligence presents us with challenges but also many opportunities. It has the power to make our lives more convenient, our work faster and more efficient, and to bring huge benefits. But technological progress of this kind also brings with it potential difficulties, including labour displacement and the risk of discrimination when machines are used to make decisions that affect people’s lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will conduct a cross-government analysis of the potential labour displacement that automation will cause in the Irish economy, and implement policy solutions for these issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn launching this policy, I believe our proposal for a domestic framework for stronger regulation of the development of AI strikes the right balance between progress and prudence.\u201d<\/p>\n