The Dutch Media Authority publishes an exploration of the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence

What are the most promising or threatening developments and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) for a pluralistic, independent, accessible and secure media offering? Today the Dutch Media Authority publishes the exploration Between Parts and Principles: How Artificial Intelligence Challenges the Core Values ​​of Media Policy. This document was created based on discussions with experts and serves as a starting point for gaining further knowledge and experience.

Artificial intelligence has taken off tremendously in recent years. So far, developments are still moving very quickly. Many media organizations are now using artificial intelligence. Although there are many opportunities in its use, there are also risks associated with it. The committee defined what artificial intelligence means for the four core values ​​of media policy (pluralism, independence, accessibility and safety).

For example, the Commission considers that the use of artificial intelligence offers many opportunities when it comes to accessibility of media viewing. Artificial intelligence is making new forms of audio description and translation systems possible, giving people with hearing or visual impairments greater access to media presentations.

The risks identified by the Commissioner in exploring, for example, the use of artificial intelligence in the online environment. For example, social media platforms use AI applications to recommend media offers to their users. This can impair the diversity of media presentation. Similar AI applications can also have an impact on mental health, especially in minors.

Furthermore, in his exploration, the Commissioner will consider the most well-known form of AI: generative AI. This type of AI creates new and innovative images, text, audio, and video based on a specific input, such as a question or suggestion. Generative AI can help the media process large amounts of information. But generative AI can also have a negative impact on the reliability of information. The committee also investigated this in its Digital News 2024 report, published last week. This showed that a lot of people don’t like news being made largely using artificial (productive) intelligence.

The full exploration of “Between Parts and Principles: How Artificial Intelligence Challenges the Core Values ​​of Media Policy” can be read here:

Exploring CvdM Artificial Intelligence between bits and principles