Individuals’ need for rights and their sense of accountability connected to AI disclosures. Qualitative evidence from group interviews

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape society, its integration into journalism raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and public trust. Existing AI regulations have largely been developed without meaningful public input, prompting concerns about whether current governance approaches adequately address societal expectations. This study investigates the regulatory needs and accountability expectations of Dutch citizens regarding AI disclosures in journalism. Through focus groups, we explored individuals' concerns and their desire for specific regulations governing AI in journalism. The findings reveal a strong preference for participatory regulatory processes and standardized transparency measures, such as the disclosure of sources. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of institutional safeguards and mechanisms to hold news organizations and individual AI users accountable. By emphasizing citizen voices, this research underscores the need for inclusive AI governance frameworks that align with public expectations and foster trust in AI-driven journalism.