From 'No, unless' to 'Yes, if': government paves the way for AI
New guidelines enable faster, more efficient, and responsible public services, of which AI is a part.
Published on April 23, 2025
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The cabinet has given the green light for broader use of generative AI by civil servants. Municipalities, provinces, and water boards will receive updated guidelines on using AI in licensing, communication, and decision-making. The goal is to provide faster and more efficient services to citizens. South Holland and Goes have already started using AI tools safely and responsibly. The Ministry of the Interior is coordinating these changes, which are part of a broader digitization strategy that will be presented shortly. However, everyone within the government must comply with strict laws and regulations to ensure a balance between innovation and security. The change of course promises exciting developments in the public sector.
New approach
The Dutch government has updated its strategy on the use of generative AI. This change of course, which follows a series of discussions with municipalities, provinces, water boards, and implementing organizations, aims to improve the efficiency of public services. Whereas previously a “no, unless” policy applied, the government now embraces a “yes, provided that” approach. Civil servants will be given more freedom to use AI technologies for a wide range of tasks, from answering citizens' questions to speeding up licensing procedures. It is a step towards a future in which technological innovations become an integral part of the government infrastructure.
The role of generative AI in administrative processes
State Secretary Zsolt Szabó emphasizes that generative AI offers significant benefits for the government. It can help simplify administrative processes, which improves both the speed of service delivery and the accuracy of decision-making. However, the implementation of AI requires careful compliance with existing laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the AI Act, to ensure data privacy and security. Consequently, the government will focus on training civil servants in AI literacy and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.
Local innovations: South Holland and Goes
In South Holland, the PZH assistant, a secure AI tool, has been put into use. Designed as a secure alternative to ChatGPT, this assistant is intended exclusively for use by government employees and has no direct impact on citizens or businesses. Similarly, the municipality of Goes uses the Chatbot Guus, which answers citizens' questions using predefined sources. Both tools illustrate how AI can be exploited in a controlled environment to improve services without violating privacy. Such initiatives demonstrate how technology not only pursues efficiency but also considers ethical considerations to be of paramount importance.
Handbook and strategy
As part of this transition, the government has developed a handbook that provides guidelines and recommendations for the responsible use of generative AI. This handbook is the result of collaboration at all levels of government, coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. It offers practical support for the daily use of AI by government professionals and emphasizes the importance of training in AI literacy. These initiatives are also part of the broader Dutch Digitalization Strategy, which will soon be presented to the House of Representatives. With this strategy, the government aims to ensure the safe and innovative application of AI in the public sector.
Balance between innovation and responsibility
The integration of generative AI within the government requires a balance between innovation and responsibility. While the benefits of AI, such as faster data processing and improved communication, are undeniable, the new approach reminds us that implementing such techniques must not come at the expense of privacy or legal requirements. Therefore, employees must be well informed about the legal frameworks and ethical considerations surrounding AI use. Carefully navigating these challenges will determine how successful and sustainable the digital transformation of government will be in the coming years.
With the upcoming presentation of the Dutch Digitalization Strategy to the House of Representatives, it is clear that the government is committed to a future in which generative AI makes a structural contribution to improving public services. This strategy promises not only improved services but also a responsible and ethical approach to the use of technology, with an eye for the challenges associated with its implementation. The coming months will be crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the new guidelines and improving future strategic decisions.
