Call for consumer association: Consumer rights must be central when using AI

The last category includes well-known systems such as ChatGPT. When using artificial intelligence systems, consumers must be able to count on the absence of practices such as deception, manipulation, discrimination, fraud, and misuse of personal information.

The dangers of artificial intelligence, respectively

The reason for the call is a study by the consumer association’s Norwegian sister organisation, Forbrukerrådet, which lists the main risks of AI. That’s why consumer organizations in Europe and the US are now calling for AI to be safe.

The Consumers Association’s appeal is to the Consumers and Markets Authority, the Personal Data Authority, and Alexandra van Hoevelin, Secretary of State for Digitization.

Transparency as a basis

The Consumers’ Association sees the benefits of both AI and generative AI and is certainly not against it, says Director Sandra Molinar. “But transparency should be the foundation. Consumers should know when they are engaging with AI and where to seek redress if they are being denied AI.”

The call aims to set clear rules for these systems. “Unfortunately, history has shown that we can’t count on the big tech companies to put these things first,” Molinar said.

AP shares concerns

In response, the Dutch Data Protection Authority shares the consumer association’s concerns and is particularly concerned about the handling of personal data. The agency says it is already taking various measures. The Dutch Consumers and Markets Authority says it is already using existing regulations to deal with AI companies. “We think it’s especially important for people to be well informed,” says a company spokesperson. “We also see the danger that these systems appear too human and can lead to deception.”

human or system

A Van Huffelen spokesperson said the Secretary of State is already working to protect consumer rights when using AI. It does this, among other things, by investigating whether such systems comply with privacy requirements and whether human and children’s rights are being observed. “In addition, it should always be clear to people whether they are dealing with a person or a system.” The foreign minister expects to be able to do more once the European law to regulate artificial intelligence is finalized.