Lynn Ruane (Independent)

I thank the witnesses for their contributions so far. My first questions are geared towards whichever of the representatives of Voice of Vision Impairment wishes to speak to them. The AI Act prohibits the use of AI systems that threaten fundamental rights, which we have touched on, or exploit vulnerabilities such as disability. The national artificial intelligence office is responsible for implementing the Act. Have any of the witnesses have been in contact with that Department regarding a potential role for DPOs? Has that Department been in contact with Voice of Vision Impairment or other DPOs to discuss a role within that structure? There is also, potentially, the AI advisory council. Is there a role for the civil society organisations that will be most impacted by the vulnerabilities that may be posed by the advances in AI? That is the first question.

The second is part of a larger conversation, namely, the training and deployment of AI systems. There have been many instances of AI systems can reflect and perpetuate existing inequalities which we have been speaking about. A dangerous of example of that is where vision systems in vehicles failed to recognise wheelchair users. Knowing those challenges that exist for disabled people and DPOs when it comes to participating in consultations and in public and political life generally, how can we, as a committee, encourage more inclusive or co-designed processes as part of our work?