Child safety gaps in AI law flagged by Ireland’s Children’s Rights Alliance
Concerns have been raised that proposed AI legislation does not sufficiently recognise children as a vulnerable group requiring special protection.
The Children’s Rights Alliance has urged Irish authorities to strengthen protections for children against the risks posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies. The organisation argues that current regulatory efforts do not sufficiently protect young users from emerging digital risks.
The warning comes ahead of a parliamentary debate on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, which is intended to support the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland.
Government officials have presented the legislation as a step towards ensuring that AI is developed and deployed in an ethical, transparent and accountable manner while reinforcing Ireland’s position as a European digital regulatory hub.
However, the Children’s Rights Alliance has criticised the proposed framework, arguing that it does not explicitly recognise children as a vulnerable group requiring additional safeguards. The organisation also warned that inadequately regulated AI systems could contribute to harms, including deepfakes, online exploitation and the generation of child sexual abuse material.
Advocates are calling for policymakers to prioritise child safety over industry interests as Ireland prepares for its EU Council Presidency. The group is also hosting a discussion on AI accountability, emphasising the need for stronger protections in future regulation.
Why does it matter?
The debate highlights growing concerns that AI governance frameworks may not adequately address the specific risks faced by children. As generative AI tools become more accessible and capable, they can amplify existing online harms while creating new challenges related to deepfakes, manipulation, exploitation and exposure to harmful content.
The discussion also reflects a broader policy question about how vulnerable groups should be protected within emerging AI regulation. Whether children are explicitly recognised within legal frameworks could influence future requirements for risk assessments, safety measures, accountability mechanisms and platform responsibilities. As governments around the world implement AI governance regimes, child protection is increasingly becoming a key test of whether regulation can keep pace with technological change.
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