New Generative AI Guidelines In Ireland

The Irish government has introduced new guidelines for the public service’s use of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to ensure responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies. 

These guidelines provide a decision-making framework to assess AI’s potential applications and outline steps to be taken during the planning stages. They emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and public trust in AI systems. 

Published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the framework includes tools such as an AI Register and Algorithmic Impact Assessments. These are designed to help public bodies evaluate risks and ensure AI systems align with ethical standards. 

The initiative reflects a growing awareness of AI’s impact on various sectors, including education, where teachers have expressed the need for more training and clearer guidelines on AI integration. The Teachers’ Union of Ireland has called for a national conversation on the role of AI in schools. 

The guidelines also address concerns about the misuse of AI, such as the creation of deepfakes, with recommendations for specific legislation to prohibit such practices. This move aligns with international calls for the development of AI guidelines to manage risks and benefits associated with the technology .

For the Irish marketing industry, these guidelines signify a shift towards more ethical and transparent use of AI in campaigns and consumer interactions, fostering greater consumer trust and enhancing brand reputation in the digital age.

Sources: RTÉ