Dutch media warns about dominant position of big tech companies

National and regional news organizations are urging the incoming Cabinet to curb the strong influence of large tech firms from the United States and China. They argue that these companies rely on AI to spread information that is largely uncontrolled and frequently inaccurate.

The Democracy and Media Foundation launched the collective appeal, which carries signatures from NOS and NPO, RTL Nederland, Talpa Network, DPG Media, Mediahuis Nederland, ANP, and the Dutch Association of Journalists. Regional and local public broadcasting groups, RPO and NLPO, have likewise endorsed the initiative.

In a joint letter sent Thursday to the negotiator of the formation talks, Sybrand Buma, the media groups warn that this trend endangers democratic stability, undermines strategic independence, and ultimately affects the Netherlands’ national security.

Among their requests, the media companies call for firm regulation that ensures Dutch citizens have access to diverse, independent, and accountable sources of information. They add that Europe’s measures to shield media outlets from global tech giants should be fully applied in the Netherlands. The organizations warn that major tech firms are already using tools to collect news content without approval so they can feed and develop their AI models.

The media organizations argue that the next Cabinet should appoint a dedicated minister for technology and media. They further insist that any strategy for advancing artificial intelligence must also consider its impact on the media.

The groups caution that a harmful cycle is emerging. AI allows major tech platforms to retain users, limiting the flow of traffic to independent news sources. This reduces both the reach and income of news organizations, ultimately degrading the quality of the material that AI systems draw from. “The less room there is for journalistic reporting, the less we understand about what is really happening in our country and the wider world,” the letter to Buma states.