While the Netherlands has made progress in understanding and managing “ordinary AI,” the emergence of generative AI, capable of creating its own content, poses a significant challenge.
While the Netherlands has made progress in understanding and managing “ordinary AI,” the emergence of generative AI, capable of creating its own content, poses a significant challenge.
As the new academic year kicks off in higher education institutions across the Netherlands, senior politicians have highlighted the potential risks and opportunities associated with the unchecked development of artificial intelligence.
Caretaker Minister for Social Affairs and Employment Karien van Gennip emphasized the role of individuals in shaping society during the opening ceremony at Delft University of Technology. She stressed that technological advancements, including AI, raise important questions that require expert insights.
Van Gennip referenced philosopher Plato’s warning about the dangers of political disengagement and highlighted the potential for AI to empower those with malicious intentions.
The official provided an example of the convenience of swiftly delivered packages resulting from a simple Google search, but cautioned that such advancements could hide a “world of abuse, division and unequal opportunities,” often involving low-wage employment for vulnerable people.
The minister encouraged students to reflect on questions related to AI, such as which tasks can be assigned to robots and how the future economy and labor market should be structured. She underscored the importance of approaching these developments from a human perspective.
The role of humans in AI development
Addressing the University of Twente, outgoing Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf highlighted the irreplaceable role of human involvement in the field of AI.
“No chatbot can match creativity, resilience and robustness,” Dijkgraaf said, advocating for a greater focus on nurturing ‘human’ skills within the education system and suggesting their integration into citizenship courses.
Outgoing State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen, who is responsible for digitalization in the Netherlands, addressed both the opportunities and risks associated with AI during the opening ceremony at Tilburg University.
While the Netherlands has made progress in understanding and managing “ordinary AI,” the emergence of generative AI, capable of creating its own content, poses a significant challenge.
Van Huffelen stressed the need for a swift and comprehensive response. She called for concerted efforts led by the United Nations to effectively manage the implications of generative AI and ensure its responsible use.
The official also emphasized the importance of considering the societal impacts of generative AI to safeguard “public values” and prevent the perpetuation of prejudices and stereotypes.
The outgoing secretary proposed the creation of an international center focused on researching, testing and regulating AI, suggesting that the Netherlands could be an ideal location for such a center. She underlined the necessity of collaborative efforts across education, science, and business to effectively address the challenges posed by AI.
