News item | 04-09-2023 | 15:12
More than one and a half million Dutch people use generative AI. Generative AI is a technology that automatically creates a text, image or video based on a human request or command. A well-known example is ChatGPT. It is becoming increasingly clear that generative AI offers many benefits, but also creates risks, challenges and raises questions. Because how good is this technology for people and society?
The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) is working with various ministries, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK), Justice and Security (JenV) and Education, Culture and Science (OCW) on a vision on generative AI. This vision provides insight into the possibilities and consequences of generative AI for society.
What are the opportunities and challenges?
As with other major technologies, such as the steam engine and the computer, generative AI can have major consequences. Politicians and society are concerned. That is why members of the House of Representatives have in March submitted a motion to the government to gain more insight into the opportunities and risks of new AI products. They also want to investigate how these products can best be used. This motion was supported by 147 members of the House of Representatives and was the beginning of the vision on generative AI.
Generative AI creates opportunities in several areas. For example, generative AI can help reduce food waste and accelerate and automate drug development. Economically, generative AI can drive productivity growth, freeing up employees’ time for human work and creativity.
In addition, there are urgent practical challenges that need attention now. For example, how generative AI is used in the dissemination of misleading information, in education and how it affects children’s rights. We also need a good technical basis so that companies and scientists can make the best possible use of generative AI.
Open and collaborative approach
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The ministries of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, EZK, JenV and OCW are working together on a government-wide vision on generative AI that provides insight into the possibilities and consequences of this technology. The values and fundamental rights of the Dutch constitutional state are central to this. In creating this vision, a conscious choice was made for an open approach. Meetings with the various ministries, scientists, the business community, educational institutions, civil society organizations and citizens are organized to investigate the possibilities and consequences of generative AI.
During each meeting, themes such as disinformation and democracy, education, the economy and healthcare are discussed. People who work within these different themes join these meetings. On 30 June, the first meeting was held with people who spoke on behalf of Utrecht University, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, the municipality of Papendrecht, Philosophy in Action and the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG). They talked about the potential impact of generative AI on disinformation and democracy. Read key insights from this meeting here.
A Catshuis meeting about generative AI will also be organized soon, it organizes ECP|Platform for the Information Society guidance ethics meetings and meetings for citizens will be organized soon. During the citizens’ meetings, the influence of generative AI on their daily lives is discussed.
The open and collaborative approach ensures that the vision contains different perspectives on generative AI.
Every month an update on rijksoverheid.nl
The vision will be shared with the House at the end of this year. Every month you can read about the latest developments and the various meetings here. Sign in to active stay informed, join the conversation and give your opinion.