AI is Here to Stay
Artificial intelligence has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Sometimes it is visible; at other times, we are unaware of its presence. Developments in this field are progressing at lightning speed. “AI is being widely embraced by organizations because of the advantages it offers. However, in practice, the use of AI is not without risks,” say Sharinne Ibrahim and Caspar Bottemanne, both attorneys at Boels Zanders and members of the firm’s specialized Education sector team.
EU Regulation
Sharinne explains: “AI legislation and regulation are also developing rapidly. The AI Act has been gradually coming into force since 2025, with full implementation expected in 2026. The regulation sets out rules for the use of AI and categorizes AI systems based on their impact and risk levels. These rules are directly applicable. The higher the risk of causing harm to individuals or society as a whole, the stricter the requirements. For unacceptable risks, a complete ban on the use of AI systems applies. Because the AI Act has direct effect in the Netherlands, SMEs and educational institutions will need to take measures. Organizations are given time to prepare, develop specific policies, and create clear instructions for employees.”
“It is essential to maintain control over what students, interns, and employees are allowed to do with AI.”
Caspar adds: “Education can no longer avoid AI. Currently, there is a strong focus on preventing AI-related fraud. It is well-known and often suspected that students are having essays and other texts written by AI. There is even suspicion that some students have used AI to generate certificates for practical experience, leading to assumptions about knowledge and skills they do not actually possess. Personally, I see the use of AI systems as an opportunity for education—provided that educational institutions delve into AI and establish clear policies. For future generations, using AI will only become more normal. AI is, for them, a library, copywriter, sparring partner, and design expert all in one. Ultimately, AI will become a standard part of school curricula for pupils and students.”
“It is essential to maintain control over what students, interns, and employees are allowed to do with AI.”
AI Literacy
Organizations have a certain degree of freedom within the framework of the AI Act regarding how they apply it. Sharinne elaborates: “AI literacy is a key component of the AI Act. The regulation requires those responsible for AI systems to promote AI knowledge among users.” AI literacy focuses on raising awareness about the use of AI, its deployment, and the consequences of its outputs. “We recommend that organizations be transparent from the outset. All employees should immediately understand what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to AI usage. Knowledge of AI is essential for using it responsibly.” Caspar adds: “Anyone who uses AI must first understand it. Only then can you decide which AI applications and outputs are usable and which are not.”
“Responsible use of AI must be guaranteed within the organization.”
Sharinne continues: “Every AI responsible must meet AI literacy requirements. Organizations need clear usage instructions for specific AI tools. Responsible AI use must therefore be ensured within the organization. This applies equally to education, the business sector, and internship providers. In the case of internships, both the host company and the educational institution have a role to play. It is crucial to maintain control over what students, interns, and employees are allowed to do with AI. Clear policies are essential here, also from the perspectives of privacy and intellectual property.”
Caspar adds: “AI is becoming increasingly important in education. Educational institutions, for example, already use digital proctoring and plagiarism scanners themselves. Students use AI tools to support research and to (re)write texts.” According to Caspar, educational institutions are still searching for the right approach. Students are increasingly being asked to account for their AI use. He continues: “There can be a risk of fraud, but there can also be effective education through the use of AI. This creates a tension that requires attention. Educational institutions must consider what they expect from their students. Prevention is better than cure: if a school or internship provider only realizes at the end of a program or placement that a student lacks the expected competencies, a difficult process begins. Having a student retake an assessment or refusing to issue a diploma are far-reaching decisions. Concrete decisions about the use of AI or related sanctions must therefore be watertight. Society will also demand responsibility and accountability: Educational institution, can we trust the knowledge and skills of the professionals you deliver?”
A Vision on AI is Essential
“A clear vision on the deployment of AI is essential,” says Sharinne. “If AI policies are not in order, privacy legislation and intellectual property rights within the organization cannot be safeguarded. Therefore, AI must be on the administrative agenda. This will be a continuous process, similar to the implementation of GDPR. Think together about the role AI plays within the organization. Discuss how risks can be avoided and how employees and interns can be protected. AI literacy must be structurally integrated, and the frameworks must be clear so that everyone learns to navigate an AI-driven society. Our advice is therefore: start integrating AI legislation as early as possible.”
