Hannah Blythyn, Member of the Senedd for Delyn, has urged the Welsh Government to make a statement on its work and direction on Artificial Intelligence (AI) following new announcements at UK level.

Speaking in the Senedd, Hannah raised concerns about the risks posed by certain uses of AI in exacerbating inequality, particularly so-called "nudification" apps, which generate fake nude images of women without their consent.

Hannah Blythyn MS said:

"AI is the topic of our time… I think it's time for an update, a statement on the Welsh Government's work and direction on this. I'm particularly concerned about the role of certain aspects of AI in exacerbating inequality, particularly so-called 'nudification' apps that create fake nude images of women without their consent. It's happened to politicians; it could happen to any of us; it could have happened already and we don't know, but worryingly it also happens to schoolgirls as well, with devastating effects.”

Hannah Blythyn urged the Welsh Government to work closely with UK colleagues to strengthen the Online Safety Act 2023:

"The Act rightly banned the creation of such images, but we need to go further. I believe it should be illegal to download nudification apps in the first place, and the software enabling them must be eradicated. Safeguards need to be put in place now to stop AI being misused to abuse women and girls."

In response, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS, thanked Hannah for raising the issue and confirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to working with the UK Government and social partners to ensure AI is developed for the public good.

Hannah Blythyn added:

"Wales has always led the way in standing up for equality and fairness. We must ensure that technological advancement serves the public good and aligns with the values of our Welsh society, not allow AI to exacerbate and amplify misogyny and discrimination.”