Judge Raises Alarm Over AI Use in Harassment Case Report

URGENT UPDATE: A High Court judge has expressed serious concerns about the use of AI technology in a harassment case, spotlighting potential risks to the anonymity of an alleged victim. The judge’s remarks come as the defendant attempted to submit a 43-page report, generated using an AI tool, in a late bid to challenge his ongoing prosecution.

During a hearing today, Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty emphasized the importance of protecting the identity of the alleged victim, highlighting that any details submitted to the AI tool could inadvertently breach a court order designed to maintain anonymity. The defendant, a man in his 40s, had previously pleaded guilty in February 2023 to harassing his ex-wife and her parents, claiming he was coerced into this plea by his former legal team.

The man, whose identity is protected by court order, asserts he is innocent and is seeking a stay on his prosecution pending the review of his case. He admitted to using an AI tool to compile the report, which he hoped would strengthen his legal argument. However, Judge Gearty cautioned that using such technology could expose sensitive information, stating, “If material has been put into an AI tool… that is a breach because anything that has been put online can be publicly available.”

In a tense court exchange, the defendant claimed he had assurances that the AI service would not share his data but faced pushback from Feichín McDonagh, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who argued against the inclusion of the report in the judicial review. McDonagh labeled the defendant’s actions as “completely inappropriate,” suggesting he was attempting to reopen a previously expedited hearing without substantial grounds.

Judge Gearty agreed to read the report privately and will decide later this month whether a new hearing is warranted based on its contents. She underlined the urgency of the matter, expressing her commitment to ensuring fairness while also recognizing the complexities introduced by the use of AI in legal proceedings.

As the situation develops, the implications of AI’s role in legal contexts are coming under increased scrutiny. This case raises vital questions about privacy, technology, and the judicial process, resonating in an era where AI tools are becoming more prevalent.

The defendant has also made allegations of misconduct against the Gardaí involved in his case, claiming that friendships with his ex-wife influenced the investigation. He insists that his initial guilty plea was given under duress, revealing the deep emotional stakes involved in this ongoing legal battle.

As this story unfolds, readers are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on this significant case that highlights the intersection of technology and justice. The High Court’s decision on the admissibility of the AI-generated report could set a precedent for how AI is utilized in legal settings moving forward.