Ms Caoilfhionn Gallagher:

I have two points to make. I agree with the Senator's point about children being more across AI than we are in many ways. The UNICEF Finland document we referred to makes that clear. Its research included not just children in Europe but also children it spoke to in a wide range of other countries, including South Africa and Brazil. The overwhelming conclusion from all jurisdictions was that most parents do not have sufficient knowledge on these topics. That was the view of the children who were spoken to so that very much reflects the Senator's experience and it is reflected in the document.

On the second point about consultation with children, the short answer is "Yes". The way in which that is done depends on the system but I very much support the second principle from UNICEF, which is ensuring inclusion of and for children from the outset and at all stages of the process in terms of AI design and also with regard to the issue of regulation and policymakers making decisions that profoundly affect children. That is critical. It is also important that it is not just consultation with children generically but is consultation with children that ensures diversity and that isolated voices are also included. I commend the work others are doing in that area. The short answer, in principle, is "Yes". Children must be involved in the design of AI and should and must be involved in the conversations we are having today.