Kim Van Sparrentak
Member of the European Parliament · ALE · NL
“Madam President, if it is true what Anthropic claims – Mythos being able to detect all cyber security vulnerabilities – then it could pose a major risk if this AI system falls into the wrong hands. Even if half is true, it opens the door to major cyberattacks at scale.”
“Systems are only useful and only work if you use them, act swiftly and with urgency. So, Commission, maybe the urgency you feel to deregulate and postpone tech rules you could also channel towards the safety of our citizens and businesses, and also towards supporting the development of European AI, with cybersecurity capabilities that is…”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, I would like to make a point of order pursuant to Rule 40. Yesterday, it was the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia. One day earlier, after a performance at Brussels Pride, three artists were attacked and abused by a mob of children around 14 years of age.”
“As long as manosphere bullies are parroted by people in this Parliament, you are complicit to the growing violence against my community. People in the EU have the right to be themselves and they should never have to choose between being visible or being safe. 1-0049-0000”
“Madam President, colleagues, no child or woman should ever have to go through what Coco had to go through. Let her suffering not be in vain. And today, everyone here from left to right will commit to stopping online harassment, but last night we could have banned all nudifier AI tools and tools to generate child abuse in Europe, and then…”
“AI creating an image of you with a G-string or just covering nipples with stars would suddenly be a legal thing. You aren't supporting a ban. You support a menu for abuse. I call on all right‑wing politicians that have committed to end online harassment today to talk some sense into your colleagues.”
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“Systems are only useful and only work if you use them, act swiftly and with urgency. So, Commission, maybe the urgency you feel to deregulate and postpone tech rules you could also channel towards the safety of our citizens and businesses, and also towards supporting the development of European AI, with cybersecurity capabilities that is created in line with democratic values. If we don't want our reliance on our cybersecurity in foreign hands and to be turned against us, we need to take bold decisions – there steering the type of innovation we want in Europe – and make sure the money we are investing in European AI goes to benefit all Europeans and not another AI puppy video generator. 2-0036-0000”
“Madam President, if it is true what Anthropic claims – Mythos being able to detect all cyber security vulnerabilities – then it could pose a major risk if this AI system falls into the wrong hands. Even if half is true, it opens the door to major cyberattacks at scale. Think of banks being hacked, our transport systems being disrupted, and hospitals blacking out. And if we understand the experts correctly, Mythos is just the first model, but many will follow soon. With a US Government that does not believe in regulating AI, we are apparently in the hands of Anthropic to decide whether they think the EU is a trustworthy partner, like Google. Anthropic only putting red lines for their systems being used against American citizens doesn't give me much hope. And to be honest, just saying that we have the right systems in place also doesn't.”
“As long as manosphere bullies are parroted by people in this Parliament, you are complicit to the growing violence against my community. People in the EU have the right to be themselves and they should never have to choose between being visible or being safe. 1-0049-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, I would like to make a point of order pursuant to Rule 40. Yesterday, it was the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia. One day earlier, after a performance at Brussels Pride, three artists were attacked and abused by a mob of children around 14 years of age. My heart and solidarity is with Sherine Falasteen, Diva Beirut and Anira Orlando. You deserve to be loved. Colleagues, I am asking for a moment of solidarity for these victims of a terrible hate crime. But we also need to look at ourselves. We need to do better. All of us need to ensure that hate doesn't have a place in the European Union and to ensure that hate speech doesn't have a place in this House.”
“AI creating an image of you with a G-string or just covering nipples with stars would suddenly be a legal thing. You aren't supporting a ban. You support a menu for abuse. I call on all right‑wing politicians that have committed to end online harassment today to talk some sense into your colleagues. Nudifiers are abuse, and hopefully we can ban this form of cyberbullying for once and for all. 3-0305-0000”
“Madam President, colleagues, no child or woman should ever have to go through what Coco had to go through. Let her suffering not be in vain. And today, everyone here from left to right will commit to stopping online harassment, but last night we could have banned all nudifier AI tools and tools to generate child abuse in Europe, and then the Christian Democrats, Conservatives and PfEs stalled negotiations on this topic for eight hours, ending in no deal because banning AI systems that generate images of your exposed breasts and exposed buttocks without your consent is, according to them, too much for companies. They would prefer only to ban AI generating female nipples or fully naked bums. By being so overly specific, we risk arbitrary results and actually legitimise abuse.”
“Daarnaast moeten we zorgen voor meer middelen voor de politie, voor effectieve opsporing en betere Europese samenwerking. En als we dan toch bezig zijn, verbied dan ook meteen uitkleedapps en zorg voor een sterke wetgevingshandeling inzake digitale rechtvaardigheid, zodat we ook grooming in games kunnen tegengaan. 3-0203-0000”
“Voorzitter, als het aan de rechtse partijen in dit huis ligt, wordt binnenkort elk berichtje en elke foto die je via app of mail verstuurt als verdacht gezien. Zij willen dat alle berichten gescand worden om te checken of je foto’s niet toevallig kindermisbruik laten zien en of jij niet toevallig een minderjarige groomt. Dat betekent dat er geen privacy meer is, omdat de bedrijven van Mark Zuckerberg en Bill Gates in al jouw berichten op zoek moeten gaan naar aanwijzingen. Al die aanwijzingen komen dan bij de politie terecht, die dan weer op zoek moet gaan naar een speld in een hooiberg. Laten we gaan voor echte oplossingen. Vandaag heeft dit Parlement gelukkig bij meerderheid van stemmen ingestemd met het enkel doorzoeken van de communicatie van een concrete verdachte. Zo kun je daders en hun handlangers effectief opsporen.”
“Madam President, I would like to do a point of order. The previous statement clearly violates Rule 10 of the Rules of Procedure, which requires Members to conduct themselves with mutual respect and uphold the dignity of Parliament, as well as Rule 10(4), which prohibits discrimination in line with Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Trans women are women. Thank you. 2-0170-0000”
“But we also cannot be too surprised, with deepnude tools topping search engine results, committing a sexual crime is just two clicks away. That is why we should ban these violent and harmful tools under the AI Act. To take it a bit broader, I am happy that the Commission is taking action with a coherent strategy, and I hope they are as ready to fight the bullies as we are and to deliver. So make sure that notice and action works, with hateful, harassing and bullying content being taken offline swiftly, and that troll groups that we do not manage to censure are met with organised and targeted reporting. Let us all work together towards a world where everyone can be safe, online and offline, and aren't bullied into silence or worse. 2-0392-0000”
“Mr President, bullying is a problem of all ages, but nowadays everyone has a potential weapon for cyber-harassment in their pockets. It's the first thing people have in their hands when they get up, and the last thing they see before they go to bed. And we increasingly see people online being harassed, especially if you stand out, especially if you're a woman, especially if you are a woman with a progressive opinion. If you are a successful sexual and reproductive healthcare activist like Nika, from 'My Voice, My Choice', people try and silence you in every way possible. The latest form of this is non-consensual AI-generated sexual content, and even sponsors, so that as many people as possible see it. Let me be clear: no one should endure this. Nika, we stand with you.”
“Today I ask you again, Commissioner Virkkunen, will you ensure that women and children are safe in Europe online and offline? Will you ban all AI that facilitates image-based sexual violence in Europe under Article 5 of the AI act? 2-0032-0000”
“Madam President, at only 14 years old, Roos became a victim of sextortion via Snapchat. A stranger had made fake naked images of her and if she didn't pay, he threatened he would ruin her life. This type of deepfake technology is an enormous danger for the safety of everyone, and especially harms women and young girls. Now, with Grok integrated in social media and many other deep new tools topping search engine outcomes, committing a sexual crime is just two clicks away. How many women still have to find AI-driven deepfakes of themselves in the most disgusting, hateful, graphic scenes just to intimidate, humiliate, blackmail or silence them? Last week, over 50 MEPs from the broad coalition supported a ban on deep new technology.”
“Innovation isn't stealing data and exploiting resources. True innovation is choosing our own way, developing the most safe, privacy friendly and energy-efficient technology in the world in Europe. 2-0503-0000”
“Mr President, last week, champagne was popped in big tech's headquarters – their business model, based on stealing people's deeply personal information to train AI, will finally be legal in the EU. And while chatbots are emotionally abusing people and even recommending children to take their own lives, our Commission decides to weaken our AI laws. Honestly, Vice-President, I am really disappointed. Rediscussing our tech laws and rolling out the red carpet for big tech's business model is a deep bow to Trump and his tech broligarchy, and a big loss for European citizens and companies. And what do you get in return? Days later, US State Secretary Lutnick asking to settle outstanding cases against Microsoft, Google and Amazon. It will never be enough for Trump. We know the DMA and DSA are next on their wish list. EPP, let's be sensible.”
“The Romanian elections already taught us the hard way just how easy it is to turn a whole election via TikTok. Still, after a year, no action from the Commission against TikTok. Commissioner, it's time to really step up and defend our democracies. From right to left, in the European Parliament, there is more support than ever to do so. Please ban manipulative recommender systems based on profiling and engagement. 2-0095-0000”
“Mr President, in this geopolitical reality, Europe cannot afford to be naïve. The way Big Tech's recommender systems work is the perfect handshake between tech-capitalism, foreign actors and the far right. Anti-democratic actors form global alliances. They spread disinformation, outrage and fear to drive us apart, and Big Tech's polarising algorithms spread these messages like a virus to make us feel bad and anxious and keep us glued to our screen, and the tech bros, they just profit from all of this. It has become way too easy for Putin, Xi Jinping and Trump to manipulate our public debates using the manipulation machines in our pockets. Online controversy then trickles down offline to our talk shows, political debates and elections.”
“LinkedIn and Meta using all your data to train their AI systems unless you opt out (but they're making it really hard)? No, that's also not allowed under European tech rules. Because in Europe we ensure that AI is safe, and technology actually contributes to people, society and the environment, while fostering innovation. So, the question is: will the Commission be fooled by tech CEOs and their top lobbyist, Donald Trump? Or will the Commission stand up for European tech companies and the citizens of Europe? Because don't be fooled: the people who will benefit from slashing AI or privacy rules are big tech, and not your promising, innovative EU companies. With clear and strong rules, Europe will create the best, most safe and most accurate AI in the world, without being locked into systems that turn out to fail, steal or discriminate.”
“Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, it's pretty clear that the Trump administration and his tech-bro cheer squad aren't fans of our digital rulebook. But before the Commission listens to the tech lobby and decides to chainsaw Europe's AI and privacy rules, let's do a little fact check. AI to detect diseases and discover new medicines? Perfectly allowed under European tech rules and not covered by the AI Act. AI to make production processes more sustainable and less wasteful? Allowed under European rules and not high-risk under the AI Act. Using AI and its outputs in research and innovation? Completely exempted from the AI Act – and, actually, we encourage all of this. Sure, some things are not allowed. AI companionship, or chatbots recommending you commit suicide? No, that's not allowed under European tech rules.”
“We need to ban addictive design features and divisive recommender systems to make the internet safe for everyone, minors and adults alike. After their latest updates, generative AI models only produce more disinformation and, meanwhile, the Commission is flirting with the idea of reopening the AI Act – the only protection we have. Commissioner, only ambitious and decisive action will protect both our citizens and our democracies. 3-0418-0000”
“Madam President, did you know that Chancellor Merz went to Canada this summer to shoot polar bear cubs? No? Good – because that means the Kremlin's latest disinformation campaign did not reach you. Why would Russia spread such a ridiculous story, you might ask? Well, it's easier to sway an election than to win a war. So undermining democratic European leaders is part of their playbook. I'm happy that the Commission will work on mapping these kinds of disinformation campaigns more efficiently, but when is the Commission finally taking action against the spread of disinformation? When is the Commission finally putting an end to the fact that we are all carrying addictive manipulation machines in our pockets?”
“Protect the rule of law. Protect people who want to protest for their rights, request an interim measure and suspend this man. 3 % of the Hungarian people showed up for democracy. Will you? 3-0221-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, Commissioner, Budapest Pride was a historic moment. Not only for the opposition movement against Orbán, it was a victory for those Hungarians in the LGBTIQ community who, after years, finally felt at home in their country and even felt hope that one day, maybe they have a beautiful future there. But despite the goosebumps and tears of joy during the Pride, the reality is that the illegal Pride ban is still in place and the organisers are still at risk. This Pride was safe because 300 000 showed up. But what about a demonstration somewhere else in Hungary, without such a great mayor, with a few hundred participants? Nobody knows what will happen. We shouldn't depend on a brave mayor and hundreds of thousands showing up. We should be able to depend on the European Commission. Please do your job.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, Commissioner, when I went to my first Pride, it finally struck me. I was not alone. I deserved to be loved. And the people I belong to know how to organise a damn good protest. I hope that in 2025, in a European Union, we would have reached a moment where human rights of LGBTQI+ plus people and the fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of assembly, are non-negotiable. That when a pride is banned, the European Commission would jump into action and immediately draw a clear line. Commissioner, the values enshrined in Article 2 are not merely a suggestion. Please take action. And for the people on my right, queer people exist and have the same rights to visibly participate in public life. You might not like it, but you and your hate are also not really invited to our party.”
“And on 28 June, I will stand side by side with my queer siblings in Budapest and I hope to see many of you there. 3-0309-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, colleagues, when I heard Orbán banned Pride, I realised it is not going well for him in the polls, because this is the boring old playbook of wannabe autocrats. And I'm furious that, again, he's using us, spreading lies and hate about the LGBTQI community and validating the hate crimes which always peak after these legislative changes. He's making our lives miserable, all as a disguise to keep his power – because we know it is not his ultimate goal to get rid of the rainbow flag. His goal is to get rid of democracy. Banning Pride is just his next step to silence even more voices. We know he changed the law to get rid of freedom of assembly. But you can't ban Pride. Pride is a protest for equal rights.”
“I think that these companies are a danger to our democracy and to our health and to our societies as a whole. That's why I think it is very important that we start doing a cost-benefit analysis on what these companies actually bring to the European Union and what harm they bring. If the decision is that they are more harmful than actually beneficial, then maybe they don't belong in the European Union. 3-0489-0000”
“Surely it's us determining our own rules, not the tech oligarchy across the ocean? We should take control of our own time, with our own rules, on our own ethical design of apps. Commissioner, I expect you to deliver on this. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 3-0487-0000 Lukas Sieper (NI), blue-card question. – My question to you, colleague, would be: in times where the tech oligarchs, as you said, develop more and more into the enemies of democracy, should we maybe think about taking away these companies on European soil from them? 3-0488-0000 Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE), blue-card answer. – Thank you for this question. I think there are very important decisions to be made around what we do with these companies. I think that they are very harmful.”
“Mr President, today we celebrate consumer protection in the EU. But when I look at addictive apps like TikTok, Tinder, Instagram and Netflix, I don't see so much to celebrate. Too many platforms and websites manipulate consumers into spending time and attention there. This is one of the challenges of our time. Nearly everyone – children, youngsters, students, adults and grandparents alike – feels they have lost control over their time spent online. More than a year ago, Parliament was very clear: stop manipulative tricks to glue us to our screens in the Digital Fairness Act and ban the most harmful features, like the autoplay of videos and the endless scroll. But there are plenty of rumours that the Commission will actually go soft on US tech companies to please Trump.”
“De Commissie laat de oren hangen naar techmiljardairs en zet ondertussen — door niks te doen — de gezondheid en veiligheid van volledige generaties op het spel. Dit kan niet langer. Commissie kom dit jaar nog met regels tegen verslavend ontwerp en verbied de meest schadelijke ontwerpfuncties, zoals eindeloos scrollen en het automatisch afspelen van filmpjes. 3-0537-0000”
“Voorzitter, commissaris, depressie, angsten, stress, slaapproblemen, een laag zelfbeeld, eenzaamheid, slechtere emotieregulering, zelfbeschadiging, suïcidale gedachten, overprikkeling, burn‑out, aandachtsstoornissen, impulsiviteit, een slechter geheugen en zelfs impact op de ontwikkeling van je ogen. Als je als jongere kenmerken hebt van een smartphoneverslaving of overmatig schermgebruik, zijn dit de mogelijke gevolgen. In de EU betreft dit één op de vier jongeren. Door niets te doen, storten we iedere dag weer meer jongeren en kinderen in een mentale gezondheidscrisis. Al meer dan een jaar geleden eiste het Europees Parlement regels tegen verslavend ontwerp. Maar de Commissie is blijkbaar te druk met het mogelijk dereguleren van de techsector. Het is totaal absurd.”
“Madam President, in this unstable world, we need a strong Europe. We need to stand on our own two feet and that is why, Commissioner Virkkunen, I ask you to be loud and clear on enforcing the DSA. Because types like Trump, Putin, Musk thrive if the EU is polarised, divided and therefore weakened. And we all carry their favourite weapon to influence us in our pockets and stare at it for hours a day. In Romania we had to redo elections after foreign interference via TikTok. Musk uses his own platform X to promote one of the most extreme parties of Europe, and Zuckerberg is actively promoting his platforms as a place for hate against queers and women. A true free internet is one where not a small bunch of tech oligarchs, but our democratic institutions – and therefore the people – make the rules. Commissioner. Make it happen.”