7. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he will take to tackle harmful AI tools (details supplied) and the online platforms that host them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4109/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I ask the Minister to outline the steps he is taking to tackle harmful AI tools and the social media platforms that host them. I invite him to give a definitive statement this morning on the concrete actions being taken to ensure enhanced protection for online users.

Sentiment score: 0.25

This question was originally submitted to the Minister for communications but was transferred to the Department of enterprise. I am not entirely sure why he did not want to answer it last week. I note his comments about examinations, reviews and the work under way in various Departments but the fact is inaction by this Government against social media giants cannot continue. Thus far the Government has sat back and waited for anyone that is not it to act even though there are more than enough adequate Irish laws for it to use to step up and face down social media companies when harmful AI tools like Grok are used. The Minister mentioned Coimisiún na Meán extensively in his response. Coimisiún na Meán could use the Online Safety Media Regulation Act today to issue a penalty or fine of €20 million or up to 10% of turnover but it is waiting, like this Government, for the EU to conclude its investigation under the Digital Services Act. Despite everything the Minister has outlined, the Government is refusing to call on Coimisiún na Meán to use the Online Safety Media Regulation Act, so enforcement of the regulations in place is not paramount. While the story rolls on, in the absence of enforcement, people are left exposed, mainly women and children.

Sentiment score: 0.05

Those are very strong words and it is great to hear the Government will not be found wanting in this regard, but talk is cheap if it is not backed up by action. I sincerely hope the Minister meant everything he said. The Government has powers. Nobody is asking him to jeopardise any investigation. It is just about enforcement of the powers under the existing mechanisms, to ensure they are enacted with the full rigour they can be in order that we will not have a repeat of the Grok scandal.

Sentiment score: 0.24