The article German AI authority: bureaucracy monster or citizen-oriented? first appeared in the online magazine BASIC thinking. With our newsletter UPDATE you can start the day well informed every morning.
The EU AI regulation stipulates that there should be national market monitors. There is now a draft bill for the German AI authority. Between official and institutional tussles, one thing above all must not be forgotten: the citizen!
AI Eight envisages national AI authorities
- The European AI regulation is intended to guarantee that sensible framework conditions are created for the use of artificial intelligence in Europe. Both companies and citizens should Use AI applications safely and trustworthy can. To ensure that European law is implemented well in Germany, there should be a national market surveillance authority: the federal government wants this Entrust the Federal Network Agency with this.
- The Federal Digital Ministry says that no duplicate structures should be created. Nevertheless he sees Bill In addition to the Federal Network Agency, there are numerous other institutions – including a coordination and competence center, several AI real-world laboratories and dedicated contact points for companies and citizens. That calls, among other things, the Data protection authorities of the federal states on the agenda who feel ignored.
- A central component of the planned AI authority in Germany is one Complaints office for consumers. The idea: A contact point for citizens where they can complain about applications – especially if the legal requirements of the AI regulation are not adhered to.
German AI authority as a complaint body
So far, the AI Act is one thing above all else: a Paper tiger – the next accumulation of regulations and threats from Brussels, non-compliance with which has so far not had any consequences. Although the regulation has been in place for over a year, only very few companies and authorities have seen any real need for action.
With this in mind, the establishment of a national AI authority is an important step – for companies and especially for civil society. It finally makes the AI Act tangible and understandable as a law. It is then no longer just a document from the EU, but a concrete contact point.
For actual success, the authority must have its Follow words but also actions. When there is talk of “lean AI governance” and “competent contact persons”, the contact point must look exactly like this.
It must be easy to report your complaints and speak to experienced experts – even without being a legal advisor yourself. And: Reporting an AI violation must also have consequences and not simply come to nothing.
Voices
- Lisa Ehrig, head of the digital and media team at the Federal Association of Consumer Organizationsadvocates for a user-friendly or Citizen-oriented interpretation of the AI Act in Germany one: “For consumers, their complaint should not end in ping-pong with the authorities, where they have to deal with different bodies via different channels. We need communication with all authorities from a single source throughout the entire complaint process.”
- Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger focuses in a statement on the draft law to implement the AI regulation in Germany, primarily aimed at companies: “We are focusing on AI governance for Germany that is as innovation-promoting and lean as possible. It is crucial that German AI developers and AI users have clear and competent contacts. With the Federal Network Agency as the central supervisory authority, we use existing expertise and ensure legal clarity and fast processes.”
- Kilian Wieth-Ditlmann, Head of Policy at the non-profit NGO AlgorithmWatchcalls on politicians to focus on consumers. In two position papers he writes: “Authorities have a special responsibility because citizens cannot avoid government decisions. This makes it all the more important that the use of AI systems is understandable and verifiable – for those affected, the media, civil society and supervisory bodies.”
Between education and reporting platform
How great the uncertainty is when dealing with AI in Germany is noticeable. It is already becoming apparent that a split in civil society is taking place. On the one hand, there are users who gain advantages in their private and professional lives.
On the other side are all those citizens who do not use the new technology out of fear or ignorance. They are being left behind step by step. Education is essential due to the risks of AI. The federal government has a great opportunity with its national AI authority.
If the Federal Network Agency, in addition to a simple reporting platform, also sets up an extensive knowledge hub that informs citizens about artificial intelligence in a simple and understandable way, Germany could derive a significant advantage from the AI Act.
If this does not succeed, the AI regulation will be nothing more than GDPR 2.0: an obstacle that does not really protect citizens and unnecessarily harasses companies.
Also interesting:
- Figure 03: A humanoid robot for every household?
- Chat control: Germany torpedoes EU plans
- Controversial AI mode: Google becomes a chatbot
- Apps in ChatGPT: Forced to Stay?
The article German AI authority: bureaucracy monster or citizen-oriented? first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard or subscribe to our newsletter UPDATE.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the German AI authority can be seen as both a bureaucratic monster and citizen-oriented, depending on how it is implemented and managed.
On one hand, the German government’s approach to regulating AI can be seen as overly bureaucratic, with complex regulations and strict oversight that may stifle innovation and hinder the growth of the AI industry. This could potentially slow down the development and deployment of AI technologies in Germany, putting the country at a disadvantage compared to more lenient regulatory environments in other countries.
On the other hand, a strong AI authority can also be viewed as citizen-oriented, as it ensures that AI technologies are developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner that prioritizes the safety and well-being of citizens. By establishing clear guidelines and regulations for the use of AI, the German government can help protect individuals from potential harms and ensure that AI is used to benefit society as a whole.
Ultimately, striking a balance between effective regulation and fostering innovation will be key for the German AI authority to be successful in promoting the responsible development and use of AI technologies. By engaging with industry stakeholders and taking a collaborative approach to regulation, the German government can ensure that its AI authority is both effective in protecting citizens and supportive of the growth of the AI industry.
Credits