Dutch Media Sector Warns Tech Giants pose “Serious Threat” to Democracy
The Hague, Netherlands – A broad coalition of Dutch media organizations – including public broadcasters like NOS, commercial networks, major newspaper publishers, and journalists’ union NVJ – have issued an urgent warning that the dominance of algorithms from American and Chinese tech giants threatens democracy and reliable facts provision in the Netherlands. The unprecedented joint appeal, delivered to the political parties currently forming a new government, frames the Netherlands as being at a critical juncture.
According to a letter initiated by the Democracy and Media Foundation (SDM), the core concern is the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) as a primary source of information, notably among young people. The organizations cite data indicating that “one in nine children uses exclusively generative AI for their information provision.”
The media sector is calling for a coordinating minister responsible for both media and technology policy, recognizing the increasingly blurred lines between journalism and technology. thay advocate for close involvement in the government’s AI policy, rapid implementation of European regulations, and improved oversight of media pluralism within the Netherlands.
Signatories to the letter include NPO, Talpa, DPG, Mediahuis, Het Financieele Dagblad, De Groene Amsterdammer, Vrij Nederland, Follow the Money, and De Correspondent. this marks the first time such a comprehensive group of Dutch news organizations has collectively addressed politicians with such a direct appeal.
The SDM supports projects aimed at bolstering self-reliant journalism, media diversity, and democratic values. The organizations emphasize that media production, presentation, and consumption are inextricably linked to technology, demanding that policy reflect this reality.