Dr. Benjamin Cowan:

I will address both issues. There is definitely a monopoly in respect of the data gathered by several major tech companies. We should try to ensure there is a level playing field in that regard for start-up companies and other organisations. There may be an issue of inequality because data are such an important part of these companies' business models. The data are used to build better tech as well as gain insight on users. It is critical to realise that it is not just about using the data to build user profiles. Those user profiles or information are used to make better technology, particularly in the case of voice assistants. We should reflect on what we are doing in that situation. I kind of agree with the Deputy on that issue.

On resources, much research is being carried out on trust in the context of artificial intelligence systems. That is being pursued through the ADAPT centre funded by Science Foundation Ireland as well as through some of the work we do in UCD. If we wish to signal to the tech companies how to do this better in terms of informed consent, dynamic consent or how to better design systems with that in mind, we need better funding of research.