Dutch Court declares AI-generated wedding vows invalid, rendering the marriage null.

      **ChatGPT Wedding**

      A Dutch court has issued a distressing ruling for a couple who married in April 2025: their marriage is not legally recognized. The issue arises from the wedding vows, which were created with the assistance of ChatGPT and omitted the essential legal terminology mandated by the state.

      The ceremony was held in Zwolle, a charming city in northern Netherlands.

      In pursuit of a personal and informal setting, the couple enlisted a close friend to serve as their “registrar for a day.” To create a meaningful ceremony, the friend relied on ChatGPT for drafting the wedding vows and the speech for the ceremony.

      However, a Zwolle court ruled this week that the AI-generated script emphasized romance too heavily and neglected the legal requirements. The judgment states that Dutch marriage ceremonies must include a specific declaration in which the couple acknowledges the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage under Article 1:67 of the Dutch Civil Code.

      The vows exchanged during the ceremony failed to meet this requirement. Instead of making a legal commitment, the groom vowed “to stand by [his partner] today, tomorrow, and forever” and to “laugh and grow together.” The officiant concluded the ceremony by stating that they were “not only husband and wife, but above all a team, a crazy couple.” While these words were romantic, the court determined they held no legal significance.

      This situation highlights an emerging issue as AI tools become more prevalent in formal contexts. Although resources like ChatGPT are excellent for creative writing and speeches, they lack the capacity to grasp the strict, statutory requirements of the law. The ruling clarifies that poetic intent, regardless of its sincerity, cannot substitute for legal norms.

      The couple was taken aback by the ruling.

      They contended that they never intended to violate the regulations and noted that a professional civil servant was present at the ceremony without raising concerns about the missing terminology. They implored the court to honor their original marriage date, expressing that altering it would be emotionally distressing.

      The court remained unmoved. The ruling indicated that while the judge recognized the significance of the original date for the couple, the law must prevail. “The court comprehends the importance of the marriage date on the certificate to the couple,” the judgment stated, “but it cannot overlook the law.”

      As a result, the couple has had to conduct a new, purely official ceremony at the town hall to validate their marriage in the eyes of the government. Their initial certificate has been removed from the records. This serves as a harsh lesson: while AI may be a handy wedding planner, it is an inadequate lawyer. When your legal status is at stake, it is always wise to check the fine print yourself.

      ---

      **Moinak Pal has been active in the technology sector, covering both consumer tech and automotive technology…**

      **I watched 47 new films this year; here are the 8 must-see movies of 2025.**

      2025 has proven to be an extraordinary year for cinema, with filmmakers presenting numerous remarkable films in theaters and on streaming platforms. Established franchises like Marvel and DC have released some outstanding new entries, while several original narratives have captivated audiences and sparked their imagination. As 2025 comes to a close, there’s still time to catch these films that stand out as the best of the year.

      **I’ve seen Avatar: Fire and Ash; here’s why it’s the top film in the franchise.**

      Avatar: Fire and Ash surpasses its predecessors with new ideas, themes, and character development.

      James Cameron's latest sci-fi blockbuster, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has arrived in theaters, setting a new benchmark for the iconic Avatar series. This installment continues the Na'vi's battle against the RDA on Pandora, as Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) strive to shield their children from Col. Quaritch (Stephen Lang) and a fierce new Na'vi tribe.

      While Avatar: Fire and Ash does have its shortcomings, repeating some plot points from earlier films, those who endure the lengthy runtime of over three hours will discover that it is the franchise's finest film in several crucial aspects.

      **You can once again access movies purchased from Google Play and YouTube on Movies Anywhere.**

      To regain access, you'll need to reconnect your Google account.

      The recent fallout between Disney and Google extended beyond YouTube TV subscribers losing access to all Disney channels. Disney also removed its entire film catalog from Google TV and YouTube, ceasing support for Google with its movie syncing service, Movies Anywhere.

      However, the companies resolved their dispute by November 14, restoring all Disney channels on YouTube TV. Yet, it wasn't until the end of last month that Disney relisted its movies on Google's digital platforms. Nearly a month later, users can finally link their Google accounts to Movies Anywhere and access movies purchased from Google Play and YouTube.