Bijna helft Kamerleden gebruikt AI voor teksten: 'Zorgwekkend, dan doe je je werk niet goed'

Summary

Research by De Groene Amsterdammer and Investico found that 68 of 150 MPs had made at least one parliamentary contribution in which more than half the text was reportedly AI-generated. The programme discussed how researchers identify AI-written language, while noting that features such as three-part lists and dashes are not conclusive signs on their own. The research was described as reliable.

Former D66 politician and technology expert Kees Verhoeven said using AI is not inherently wrong, but MPs must use it responsibly. Copying chatbot output directly into a speech without making it their own risks failing their duty to represent voters with considered and truthful contributions. He urged politicians to review AI-assisted work carefully and ensure it reflects their own voice and judgement.

The discussion also highlighted political workload as a factor: MPs and officials may face pressure to prepare several speeches in a day. Verhoeven argued that doing fewer speeches well would be preferable to producing many quickly with AI. State Secretary Dirk Boswijk had previously said he reviews and gives feedback on prepared speeches. A Keti Koti speech was reported to be 95% AI-written, and Boswijk said he would need to look into how it was produced.

The speakers raised broader concerns about AI-generated language becoming harder to distinguish from human writing, especially if AI-generated material is reused to train future models. They also noted potential problems for criminal justice, where the authenticity of evidence such as video footage may be questioned, while institutions may not yet be equipped to handle such challenges.

The main takeaway was to treat AI as a tool, not a substitute for human effort and responsibility. The programme warned that if AI effectively speaks for elected representatives, it could undermine the meaning of representative democracy.

Presenters and Contributors

• Kees Verhoeven — Guest and commentator
• Veerle Hammerstein — Presenter, apparently identified in the closing exchange

People Mentioned

• Esme Lala
• Peter van Duivenvoorden
• Harmen Krul
• Dirk Boswijk — State Secretary for Defence