Federal government wants "sensible" AI regulation
The German government wants to prevent overly strict regulation of artificial intelligence in the European Union. "The most important thing now is to get a sensible AI regulation at European level," said Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) at the start of the German government's digital summit in Jena in a podcast by digital association Bitkom. "You can do a lot of things right, but you can also do a lot of things wrong," said the Vice Chancellor.
On Monday, a position paper by the German government, together with the governments of Italy and France, on AI regulation, which is addressed to the Spanish EU Council Presidency, also became public. The paper generally supports the need for AI regulation. However, the AI law should only regulate the use of AI and not the technology as such. "This risk-based approach is necessary and serves to preserve innovation and safety at the same time." On July 1, Spain took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second half of 2023.
Warning against overregulation
Habeck said: "If we over-regulate, we will have the best traffic regulations, but no traffic on the road. That must not happen." In addition to appropriate AI regulation, the German government is committed to enabling private sector investment in digital technologies. Germany must "trigger a real wave" in the venture capital sector so that companies can either find their own investors or investors can find suitable companies.
Habeck admitted that there are still deficits in the digitalization of administration in Germany. The minister identified "the internal inertia of an established system that needs to be overcome" as the cause. "Someone just believes that the state still needs the paper form for some applications or to be able to document this." However, the parties in the traffic light coalition agree on overcoming these deficits.
Around 1,000 participants from politics, business, science and civil society are discussing the implementation of the digital transformation at the German government's Digital Summit. Among other things, they will discuss whether and how artificial intelligence can make administration more efficient and citizen-friendly.
- The Federal Economics Minister, Robert Habeck, highlighted the importance of sensible AI regulation at the German government's digital summit, emphasizing the need to balance innovation and safety.
- During the summit, Habeck voiced concerns about over-regulation, arguing that excessive rules could hinder technological progress, comparable to having the best traffic regulations but no traffic on the road.
- Habeck, alongside the German government, supports private sector investment in digital technologies, including information technology and artificial intelligence, and aims to stimulate venture capital to drive innovation and growth.
Source: www.dpa.com
