The Data Ethics Commission established by the Federal Government hosted a public round-table discussion at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community today. The Commission met with experts and stakeholders from Germany and abroad and with interested members of the public.

The first meeting of the Data Ethics Commission at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community. (Larger version opens in new window) Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community

In welcoming round-table participants to the Federal Ministry, Parliamentary State Secretary Günter Krings said, "In view of the changes brought by digital technologies, the law needs to be adapted to the 21st century. We must enable the development and implementation of useful and innovative technology, for example artificial intelligence, while ensuring privacy and data protection. I am looking forward to the recommendations of the Data Ethics Commission, for example on regulation in the field of data policy. I hope today’s discussion will provide important input."

Gerd Billen, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, noted: "Our digital future offers incredible opportunities. But to minimize possible risks, we must think about drawing red lines. At the end of this year, there will be an agreement on guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence and algorithms. So it is extremely important that members of the Data Ethics Commission are meeting today with experts and the public."

Christiane Woopen, professor of medical ethics at the University of Cologne, agreed: "Our future will depend on us making sure that service to humanity is the priority. Technology, business and politics are not an end in themselves; they must benefit individuals and society. For this reason, everyone should sit at the same table to set the course for our future."

Christiane Wendehorst, professor of civil law at the University of Vienna, added: "The spread of digital technology may pose ethical dilemmas for our future, but most of all it also offers great opportunities. Before the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence, we hardly had such intense discussions of fairness in decision-making processes or of security and oversight. But I believe we are at a major crossroads in history, when the course will be set for generations to come."

Dr Woopen and Dr Wendehorst are co-spokespersons for the Data Ethics Commission, which is composed of 16 experts from the fields of medicine, law, computer science, statistics, economics, theology, ethics and journalism.

The Data Ethics Commission is intended to offer answers to key questions related to the use of algorithms, artificial intelligence and the handling of data. Its mandate is to develop ethical guidelines based on scientific and technical expertise to protect individuals, maintain social cohesion and preserve and promote prosperity in the information age.

On 23 October 2019, the Commission will present the Federal Government with its report on ethical guidelines for data policy and the use of algorithms, artificial intelligence and digital innovations. It will also make recommendations for action. Organizational support for the Commission is provided by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community and the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection.