Sinn Féin demands action to protect Irish artists from AI threat

Sinn Féin is demanding government action to protect Irish artists from the growing threat of artificial intelligence, which the party argues is undermining their creative talents and livelihoods. A motion tabled in the Dáil highlighted concerns that AI is facilitating "the greatest art heist in history."

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artists are being robbed "of their creative talents."

Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Sinn Féin's spokesperson for Arts and Culture, told the Dáil that artists are being "robbed of their creative talents." He warned that the "AI flood" is already filling the world with "slop" and urged preventative measures to stop Irish artists from being "swept away." He also quoted a commentator who stated, "The bold future that AI promised has been created with stolen words."

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We are living through the greatest art heist in history.

Rose Conway Walsh TD added that "Irish artists are being ripped off," impacting individuals and society. Responding for the government, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Niamh Smyth acknowledged the legitimacy of artists' concerns. She stated the government aims to protect creators' rights while embracing AI opportunities, ensuring innovation does not come "at the expense of creativity." The minister pointed to existing government supports during this transition period and pledged to advance key issues during Ireland's EU presidency, aiming for Ireland to be a leader in "trustworthy AI."

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The AI flood cannot be stopped and said that it is already filling the world with "slop"

Support for the motion came from across the opposition. Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney warned that unchecked AI could lead to "the cessation of art," particularly in Irish music. Labour TD Ciaran Ahern criticized the government for lacking urgency, noting that creative workers often struggle with unstable incomes. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy challenged the notion that AI's rise is "unstoppable," attributing this "narrative of inevitability" to big tech's profit motive and massive gambles. He asserted that "the needs of society, and of artists, should come before the needs of big tech."

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The bold future that AI promised has been created with stolen words.