Urgent Concerns Rise Over AI Deepfakes Impacting Irish Youth

UPDATE: Irish children are expressing serious concerns about the dangers of AI deepfakes, as revealed during a critical meeting of the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence on October 3, 2023. Presentations from various children’s organizations highlighted alarming risks associated with AI technologies, particularly the exposure to explicit content and the potential for cyberbullying.

Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafe Kids, labeled AI-generated deepfakes an “alarming issue,” emphasizing the profound impact this technology could have on young people’s lives. One young respondent shared with WebWise: “I think the threat that deepfakes and impersonation creates is extremely concerning for young people. It’s getting so realistic that you can’t tell what’s real or fake anymore and it could happen to any of us.”

As children navigate an increasingly digital world, a 13-year-old girl expressed her nervousness about using her phone, revealing, “It is very easy to come across rude content that you don’t want to see.” The concerns were echoed by the Youth Advisory Panel, which reported that many AI chatbots lack essential safety features, resulting in children receiving inappropriate or harmful responses.

The Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) raised alarms over the growing threat of sexual extortion, where perpetrators exploit images for cyberbullying and blackmail through popular apps. This urgent issue calls for immediate action as the digital landscape becomes more perilous for children.

Moreover, a survey from the National Youth Council of Ireland revealed that one in three young people now turn to AI chatbots for social interaction, a trend described as “dangerous” by the LGBTQ+ organization Belong To. This shift can lead to isolation, as children might withdraw from real-life social engagements.

The Youth Advisory Panel concluded the meeting by asserting that “much more can be done” to address these pressing challenges posed by AI technologies. The Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence, led by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, is urged to take decisive action to safeguard the wellbeing of children in Ireland.

As these discussions unfold, the community is left to ponder the implications of AI on youth safety. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and immediate measures are essential to protect children from the potential harms of technology. Parents, educators, and policymakers must remain vigilant as they navigate this evolving landscape.