Deputy Malcolm Byrne has urged the Government to fast track the Protection of Voice and Image Bill 2025 to tackle the problem of AI deepfakes and nidification.
The Chair of Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence introduced the Bill in the Dáil along with Deputy Naoise O’Cearuil last April.
The Wicklow Wexford TD pointed out,
“This Bill anticipated the problems that around the weaponisation for AI for sexual purposes that have become apparent this week.
“The misuse of someone’s image or voice without their consent for malign purposes should be a criminal offence.
“This Bill provides a strong framework to do that, and I hope the Government will consider it as a practical starting point for urgently needed legislation.”
Deputy Byrne also suggested that the Attorney General’s office could play a valuable role in exploring the use of AI to support the legislative drafting process, highlighting its potential to deliver significant efficiencies and enable Government to respond more quickly to emerging trends that require urgent action.
“We need to embrace the benefits of AI across Government and within the legislative process. Used responsibly, it can help us be more agile in how we develop legislation for rapidly evolving challenges.
“By leveraging new technologies appropriately, we can strengthen our ability to respond swiftly to emerging risks while ensuring that legislation remains robust, proportionate, and carefully considered.”
He also urged a public information campaign, similar to that on the misuse of intimate images, to ensure general awareness of the problem.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Link to the Bill here: Protection of Voice and Image Bill 2025 – No. 11 of 2025 – Houses of the Oireachtas
