Call to fast track Bill to criminalise AI deepfakes

Ottoline Spearman

The Chair of Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence has urged the Government to fast-track a bill to address the problem of AI deepfakes and nudification.

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne said that the Protection of Voice and Image Bill 2025 "anticipated the problems that around the weaponisation for AI for sexual purposes that have become apparent this week".

AI chatbot Grok, developed by Elon Musk, has recently come under fire over its generation of nude deepfake images of people.

Mr Byrne introduced the Bill in the Dáil along with Deputy Naoise O’Cearuil last April.

“The misuse of someone’s image or voice without their consent for malign purposes should be a criminal offence," Mr Byrne said.

“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.”

Mr 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 the 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.