Dutch DPA Publishes 2024 AI and Algorithmic Risks Report
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and significant risks, as highlighted by the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) in its latest AI & Algorithmic Risks Report for the Netherlands (ARR). The report emphasizes the need for vigilant risk management, particularly in light of the lower trust in AI among Dutch citizens compared to other countries. The Dutch DPA warns that organizations must be cautious when deploying AI systems until they fully understand the associated risks, such as discrimination and privacy violations.
The Dutch DPA underscores the importance of responsible AI deployment, noting that it requires significant effort from organizations. Measures like random sampling can help detect and mitigate discrimination in AI systems used for profiling and fraud investigations. The report also highlights the risks AI poses to information provision, particularly through social media and search engines. Generative AI technologies, which can produce indistinguishable text, images, videos, and audio, increase the risk of misinformation and disinformation. Therefore, it is crucial for users to understand recommender systems and have the ability to assess information accuracy.
Democratic control over AI is another key concern. A survey among Dutch municipalities revealed limited oversight of AI systems and a lack of sufficient knowledge among council members. The Dutch DPA calls for empowering municipal council members and other elected representatives by making AI knowledge accessible and creating audit obligations. This would strengthen democratic control over AI deployment by the government.
Finally, the Dutch DPA urges the Dutch government to prioritize the registration of algorithms by public authorities in a central national database. Extending this requirement to semi-public organizations, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, social housing, and public transport, is crucial. Clear benchmarks and standards for trustworthy AI are essential to avoid non-binding, ambiguous, or outdated frameworks. The entry of a new government presents an opportune moment to reassess and strengthen the Dutch AI strategy.
Source: AI Risk Report Summer 2024: turbulent rise of AI calls for vigilance by everyone
