With artificial intelligence, false information spreads faster and more convincingly than ever before. At the same time, AI is changing the way we search for knowledge: Search engines are being replaced by conversational robots, which often serve up erroneous and sourceless answers, characterized by foreign bias and with little understanding of Danish conditions.

In collaboration with the Center for Humanities Computing at Aarhus University, Lex has taken the initiative to develop a reliable, Danish alternative – a Danish chatbot. Based on the content of the National Encyclopedia, the chatbot will give users the opportunity to enter into dialogue with Lex's content. Thus, users will have access to quality-assured knowledge from Danish researchers and professionals, disseminated via Lex' quality-assured articles – and always with clear sources and the opportunity for immersion.

"The way we seek knowledge is changing with artificial intelligence, and Lex has an important task: to ensure that citizens have access to quality-assured and credible content. Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool to carry out this task even better," says Erik Henz Kjeldsen, editor-in-chief of Lex – Denmark's National Encyclopedia.

In the commercial, foreign chatbots, you as a user get an AI-generated answer to your question – an answer where you have neither insight into nor the opportunity to check sources and credibility.

"Lex wants to use our strong starting position to become the Danish alternative to this, and we have already come a long way with the work. With significant foundation support, Lex will establish a chatbot that can take on the existing ones and deliver credible, Danish-based knowledge," says Erik Henz Kjeldsen.

The project is made possible with support from the Aage and Johanne Louis-Hansen Foundation and the Augustinus Foundation.

"The Danish chatbot will ensure that citizens have access to quality-assured knowledge in Danish – without bias and without providing personal information. It will make it possible for children to get simple explanations on complex topics, for citizens to compile information and for teachers to get help – all with clear sources and in a safe environment," says Erik Henz Kjeldsen, editor-in-chief of Lex.

Great need for Danish alternative

The project is carried out as an application-oriented research and development project in collaboration with the Centre for Humanities Computing at the Faculty of Arts at Aarhus University. To ensure that the virtual assistant can develop in line with technological developments and users' changed search behaviour, the project is for three years.

"We see a great need for a Danish alternative to the large, international AI solutions, where citizens' personal data is often at stake. With this project, we are developing a solution that not only strengthens access to credible information, but can also serve as a model for other institutions," says Kristoffer Nielbo, professor and head of the Center for Humanities Computing at Aarhus University.

Lex and Aarhus University want to develop the chatbot in close collaboration with the population and are therefore looking for Danes of all ages and life situations to test and shape the technology. The initiative is driven by the desire for responsible use of AI and the belief that Denmark should take the lead in the development of ethical, transparent and locally rooted AI tools.

Users who want to help future-proof access to credible knowledge and help develop the chatbot can already sign up here.

Contact

Kristoffer Laigaard Nielbo, Professor
Centre for Humanities Computing
School of Culture and Society
Aarhus University
Mail: kln@cas.au.dk
Mobile: +45 2683 2608

Erik Henz Kjeldsen, Editor-in-Chief
Lex
Mail: ehk@lex.dk
Mobile: 5129 6549