A new government minister for AI has yet to use ChatGPT

The newly appointed minister for AI oversight in Ireland, Niamh Smyth, has acknowledged that she has never used ChatGPT and has not yet downloaded the popular chatbot DeepSeek to her phone, as reported by the Irish Independent on Tuesday.

Smyth’s new role as junior minister at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment includes responsibilities for trade promotion, AI, and digital transformation.

Regarding the innovative technology, Smyth stated, “It’s all a new learning curve, but I will learn fast and apply myself to the new role.” She added that she felt she knew “as much as any colleague” after leading briefings on the subject in recent months.

Smyth expressed concerns about high-school students using AI-powered technology for homework, but she is also focusing on supporting businesses and educating about the benefits of artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and demystify its use.

This situation is reminiscent of a peculiar incident in 2018 when Japan appointed a cyber-security minister who admitted to never having used a computer.

Yoshitaka Sakurada, then 68 years old, confessed, “Since I was 25 years old and independent, I have instructed my staff and secretaries — I have never used a computer in my life.” He faced criticism during a parliamentary session for his lack of basic technology knowledge.

Sakurada resigned from his post about six months later, although his departure was unrelated to his admission of never using a computer.