AP: without clear values, generative AI risks becoming a wild west

04 February 2026 Themes: EU AI Act Algorithms, AI and the GDPR Coordination of algorithmic and AI supervision The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), the Dutch data protection authority, presents its vision on generative artificial intelligence (AI) today. The supervisory authority outlines how generative AI can be used safely, responsibly and in line with fundamental rights. Looking ahead, the AP sees opportunities, but at the same time warns for real societal risks.

The urgency is high, especially with the impact of generative AI becoming increasingly clear. The market is being inundated by a tidal wave of new applications, many of which were developed by American tech companies. This increases European dependence and puts pressure on our digital autonomy. This is taking place in a context of major geopolitical shifts, with economic integration increasingly being used to exert pressure.

Meanwhile, the use of generative AI is growing rapidly. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), 23% of Dutch people now use AI programmes such as ChatGPT. Among young people, that percentage is considerably higher. Generative AI therefore has a tangible impact on our daily lives.

Robust safeguards needed

At the same time, the capabilities of generative AI are continuously increasing. There are new apps undressing people on screen without their consent or chatbots claiming to offer help with mental health issues. In addition, people are increasingly using chatbots as their sole source of information. The AP is concerned by this development, organisations often deploy generative AI too quickly, without giving due consideration to the consequences for people and society.

'This presents new and complex challenges in terms of control' says Aleid Wolfsen, Chair of the AP. 'Generative AI offers enormous opportunities, but we must use the technology carefully. Innovation is welcome, but it must be accompanied by robust safeguards.' According to the AP, it is essential that AI models are trained and used lawfully in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the AI Act.

Undesirable future scenarios

In its vision, the AP describes three undesirable future scenarios. In a Wild West scenario, generative AI grows without clear rules, and in a scenario of missed opportunities, Europe grinds to a halt due to uncertainty caused by complex and unclear legislation and regulations. In a bunker scenario, excessive caution hinders innovation.

Generative AI is still controllable. 'But only if we now choose values as our starting point, rather than speed as the norm', says Wolfsen. The AP therefore advocates a fourth course: values at work. This approach focuses on innovation, while ensuring protection of democracy, fundamental rights and mutual trust. 'When a technology is rapidly integrated into education, healthcare, media and government without a shared normative framework, the result is not an innovation ecosystem but rather a social experiment without clear procedures. That is why it is important to make choices now', says Wolfsen.

The AP is asking organisations that use generative AI to do so responsibly: in a transparent manner whilst at the same time assessing the risk and respecting fundamental rights. It is also important that the development and use of generative AI does not fall into the hands of a few major parties.

The vision was drawn up using input from companies, experts and civil society organisations and therefore also reflects insights from society.

Publications

Moving forward responsibly: AP's Vision on Generative AI

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