Ireland’s newly appointed junior minister for AI oversight, Niamh Smyth, has confessed to never having used ChatGPT or downloaded the popular chatbot DeepSeek, according to a Tuesday report by the Irish Independent. Smyth’s role at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment encompasses responsibilities for trade promotion, AI, and digital transformation.
Navigating the AI Landscape
While acknowledging the transformative nature of AI, Smyth emphasized her commitment to learning. “It’s all a new learning curve, but I will learn fast and apply myself to the new role,” she stated. Smyth further expressed confidence in her current understanding of the subject, asserting that she knew “as much as any colleague” after participating in recent briefings.
Addressing AI Concerns in Education and Business
One of Smyth’s immediate priorities is addressing the potential misuse of AI by high-school students for completing homework assignments. She also highlighted the “importance of supporting businesses and providing education around the benefits of artificial intelligence to create efficiencies and demystify the use of AI.”
A Familiar Scenario?
This situation recalls a similar incident in 2018 when Japan’s appointed cybersecurity minister, Yoshitaka Sakurada, admitted to never having used a computer. “Since I was 25 years old and independent I have instructed my staff and secretaries — I have never used a computer in my life,” the 68-year-old Sakurada explained in translated comments reported by the Kyodo news agency.
Facing Criticism and Resignation
During a parliamentary session, Sakurada faced criticism for appearing bewildered by fundamental technology-related inquiries. An opposition lawmaker voiced disbelief, stating, “I find it unbelievable that someone who is responsible for cybersecurity measures has never used a computer.” Sakurada resigned approximately six months later, although the reason for his departure was reportedly unrelated to his admission about computer inexperience.
Conclusion: Embracing the Learning Curve
Smyth’s acknowledgement of her inexperience with AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek raises questions about her preparedness for navigating the complex landscape of artificial intelligence oversight. While her commitment to learning is commendable, the rapid pace of AI development necessitates a deep understanding of these technologies for effective policy-making and leadership. The parallel drawn with Japan’s former cybersecurity minister underscores the potential challenges of appointing individuals with limited practical experience to oversee critical technological domains. Only time will tell if Smyth can effectively navigate this learning curve and fulfill her responsibilities in shaping Ireland’s AI future.
