Second annual Thorbecke Academy Conference: AI - blessing or a curse?

Arnoud Engelfriet, specialist in ICT law at the Vrije Universiteit, emphasized that AI does not have human qualities and only works with inputted data. The conference, focused on studies for the public domain, explored the impact of AI, with the upcoming European AI Act as a backdrop. This legislation establishes ethical and legal frameworks for the use of AI to address global concerns.

How do we make the right choices when applying AI. There are no easy answers. We will need to connect law and ethics to its use

Arnoud Engelfriet – specialist in ICT law at the Vrije Universiteit

Richard Delger, director of the Thorbecke Academy, emphasized the importance of AI in a welcome address, using a video that fluently spoke multiple languages ​​using AI. However, he also pointed out the dark side of AI, with cybercrime and disinformation as serious threats that cannot be ignored. He addressed key issues such as collaboration with the police in Nedersaksen, AI applications in police investigations, and discussions about the role of AI in society. 

The Thorbecke Academy is internationally engaged in strengthening ties with the police in Lower Saxony, Germany, as organized crime does not stop at national borders. Jens Burrichter, liaison officer from Lower Saxony, emphasized the need for cooperation in the fight against international crime, often related to drugs. He does not rule out cooperation with the academy in the field of cybercrime knowledge. In the police investigation of Robert Telle and his team, an AI application proved to be crucial.

The vulnerability of AI 

Although AI offers many possibilities, we must also be cautious. Klaas Dijkstra, Lecturer in Computer Vision & Data Science, suggests that the AI hype may be past its peak and requires perspective. The ethical issue surrounding AI remains central. Saul Johnson's contribution, lecturer and researcher at the Maritime IT Security Research Group of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, provided compelling examples of how AI can be deceived. Johnson warns of the vulnerability of AI, which can be misled by incorrect data. The importance of human judgment remains crucial, as emphasized by Willem Bantema and Jurjen Jansen as well.

AI in the public domain 

Lector Governance and Digitalization Willem Bantema shared a recent study conducted by students. It showed that citizens are more likely to accept online monitoring by the police than by municipalities. It is important that people are informed in advance that monitoring is taking place. The use of fake accounts on the internet scores poorly with the public. The police do well to be visible and recognizable when there is online monitoring. Along with Engelfriet, he conducted a discussion with the audience based on some provocative statements. It also emerged that most attendees favored human review. AI can at most help facilitate the work.

Jurjen Jansen, also a lecturer, is part of the Cybersafety research group associated with the Thorbecke Academy. In his introduction together with Thijs van Valkengoed, a cybercrime specialist with the police and affiliated with the Police Academy, he emphasized the Dutch police organization's desire to better understand the rapid developments regarding online crime. 'Investments are being made in a digitally more agile police force.'

Cross-border collaboration

Collaboration with the police in Lower Saxony, Germany, AI applications in police investigations, and discussions about AI's role in society are important themes at the conference. The contributions of experts emphasize the need for critical reflection and ethical embedding in the use of AI, with a focus on both safety and social responsibility. The Thorbecke Academy continues to lead in addressing these complex issues, with the desire to start a safety campus in Assen and promote cross-border cooperation high on the agenda.