European Commissioner Michael McGrath has expressed concern that AI may go “beyond the capability and control of human beings”, given the pace and depth of the technology’s development.
In an interview with RTÉ News at the UN General Assembly, Commissioner McGrath said that safeguards must be put in place.
He said that if the world loses control of AI, “then crucial issues like our own security, the integrity of our democratic systems, and our human rights, and the fundamental rights that we enjoy as citizens, could come under threat, so this is urgent.”
The Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection said he believes that the EU has made a “very good start”, but that it cannot do it alone.
According to the Commissioner, there have been many conversations about AI this week at the UN General Assembly and he said it is “imperative” that the EU works with others around the world to create a global governance framework.
“I think we have to sit up and take notice and act together” he said.
“I think we’ve seen a number of wake-up calls, and the truth is that uncontrolled AI development and deployment poses very significant risks for all of us, and for the very fabric of our societies, and for the integrity of our economies as well,” he added.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that cyber security is a significant issue for governments and companies all over the world
Concern over AI use to penetrate Govt systems – Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government is concerned generally about advances in technology and how it can be used in a negative way after an AI agent hacked an Australian government website.
When asked about the hacking, Mr Martin said that cyber security is a significant issue for governments and companies all over the world.
“We had a worst experience during Covid, when the health service was attacked and really undermined in the middle of Covid. On that occasion, we have built up our defenses on the cyber security front very significantly,” he said.
He added: “But AI does represent an even greater challenge in terms of the capacities that will emanate from AI in terms of penetrating government systems and so forth.”
Minister McEntee said that AI is coming up in every single discussion that she is having at the UNGA
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said the hacking highlights the absolute need for the Government to work internationally to put AI safeguards in place.
Speaking to reporters, Ms McEntee said that AI is coming up in every single discussion that she is having at the UN General Assembly.
“It’s coming up in the business meetings that I’ve had over the last few days. It’s coming up when we talk about weaponry, but it’s also coming up in terms of the opportunities and the possibilities that AI can provide for all of us,” she said.
“What’s clear is that we need robust measures in place if there are breaches of measures and oversight mechanisms.
“We need those who are responsible for developing this to be at the table and responding when there are breaches,” the minister said.
Ms McEntee added that there also needs to be room for innovation and growth too.
“You’ll be aware that there was legislation introduced at an EU level, and that obviously at a local level in Ireland, we’re putting measures in place. We have an AI office that has been established and specifically set up to make sure that we have those appropriate oversight mechanisms in place,” Ms McEntee said.
Minister of State with responsibility for artificial intelligence Niamh Smyth was asked if the Government is concerned that a similar hack could happen in Ireland given that both OpenAI and Anthropic are in the process of establishing large European headquarters in Dublin.
“We’re always concerned, and that’s why we have been forging ahead with the development of our national AI office Oifig IS na hÉireann,” Ms Smyth said.
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“The implementation of the EU AI Act has been incredibly important, and Ireland has certainly been leading the way right across Europe.”
“The European Union was the first to establish an AI Act and a framework that demands that while we are striving for innovation and creativity, we strike a balance ensuring that it protects citizens.”
“And that’s incredibly important to us here in Ireland and the Irish Government,” she added.