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What is AI?
AI stands for ‘artificial intelligence’. It is clever computer software. This software has learned from a huge number of texts, photos and sounds. Because of that, it can write texts, answer questions, make pictures and even copy voices.
You may know the names ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot. These are what we call ‘chatbots’. You type a question and you get an answer, as if you were having a conversation.
One thing is important to know: AI does not think like a person. It guesses which words sound right. Most of the time it gets it right. But not always.
What can you do with it? The good side
- Write letters and messages. For example a letter of complaint, a birthday message or a polite e-mail to the local council.
- Ask questions. About a recipe, a trip, a word you don’t know or an appliance at home.
- Your hobbies. Find out more about your garden, your family tree, birds or puzzles. Or ask it to describe a photo.
- Make texts easier. Have a complicated letter explained in plain language.
- Look up health questions. You can ask AI what a medical word means. But be careful: AI is not a doctor. It sometimes gets things wrong. Always talk to your GP or pharmacist about questions on your health or your medicines.
What should you look out for? The risks
We don’t want to frighten you. But it is good to know about these things. Then you will recognise them in time.
Fake voices and ‘help me’ scams
With AI, fraudsters can copy someone’s voice. For example the voice of your grandchild or your son. You then get a phone call or a voice message: “Mum, I’m in trouble, can you send me some money quickly?”
What should you do?
- Never send money straight away.
- Hang up and call your family member back yourself, on the number you already had.
- Agree on a family code word (see below).
Fake videos and fake photos
AI can also make videos and photos that look real. For example a well-known Dutch celebrity recommending an investment. Or a news story that isn’t true.
What should you do?
- Don’t simply believe a video, especially when it is about money.
- Famous people never recommend a quick investment in an advert.
- Not sure? Send it to us through Even checken (Dutch for ‘just checking’: our service for checking a message you don’t trust). You can forward messages to check@pidorac.eu.
AI chatbots make mistakes
A chatbot sounds very sure of itself. But the answer can still be wrong. Sometimes a chatbot even makes things up, such as a law or a phone number.
What should you do?
- Always check important information somewhere else.
- For money, health and the law, use a reliable source or a real person.
- Don’t just ring a phone number a chatbot gives you. Look it up yourself, for example on the organisation’s own website.
Privacy: what you should never type in
What you type into a chatbot is often stored. So never type these into a chatbot:
- Your passwords or PIN
- Your bank details or bank codes
- Your BSN (your Dutch citizen service number, a personal number used by the Dutch government)
- A photo or copy of your passport or driving licence
- All your medical details
- Personal details of other people, such as family or neighbours
What PIDORAC can do for you
AI and privacy check
Together with you, we look at your computer and phone from a distance. Which AI programs are on them? What do they share? Are your privacy settings right? You get a short, clear summary. This check is included once a year in the Gerust Plus and Gerust Familie subscriptions (our ‘peace of mind’ plans). Without a subscription, you pay the rate for one-off help.
Agreeing on a family code word
We help you and your family agree on a code word. This is a secret word that only you know. Does someone call with a strange request for help? Ask them for the code word. If they don’t know it, that tells you all you need to know. We explain how to set this up, also with family who live further away.
Personal lesson ‘Safe with AI’
One hour, one to one. From a distance, at your own pace. You will learn:
- what AI is and how to use a chatbot;
- how to ask a good question;
- how to recognise fake messages, fake voices and fake videos;
- what you should and should not share.
Price: on quotation. You get a free quote in advance.
Workshops for groups
For senior citizens’ clubs, libraries, care homes and other organisations, we give the workshop ‘Safe online & AI’ at your own premises. Price on quotation.