- Reul: Artificial intelligence is more effective in combating crime
Artificial Intelligence (AI) must, in the opinion of North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU), be employed even more in crime fighting in the future. Whether in cases of child abuse, riot situations, or uncovering terrorist structures, AI can make a significant contribution to analyzing large amounts of data, Reul said in Mettmann.
"If we don't use AI, then we'll be complete losers. That's as certain as the Amen in the church." However, more acceptance for modern technological solutions needs to be promoted in society: "Our task is to ensure that people are more open to it."
Translation software helps in dire need
Reul, together with Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU), visited the fire department's control center in Mettmann to see how AI is used in emergency services. According to the Düsseldorf State Chancellery, Mettmann was the first of several district centers in NRW to use translation software to handle emergency calls in foreign languages. This digital tool translates both the caller's and the emergency service's words.
"Our society has become more colorful," said Wüst. "Many people live here who, in a stressful emergency situation, may revert to their native language." On the other end of the line are people who, of course, don't all know every language. "In this regard, artificial intelligence is a good solution to this problem."
Wüst between concrete and treetops
The control center in Mettmann was the first stop on a regional information tour by the Minister President through the Bergisches Land. Also on the head of government's itinerary was an innovative, family-run stone company in Overath that saves the majority of CO2 emissions compared to conventional production through cement-free concrete - an example of climate-neutral business in the construction materials industry for Wüst.
During a tour of the Naturerlebnispark Panarbora in the upper Bergisches Land and along the longest "baumwipfelpfad" (tree-top walk) in the state, they discussed current projects and challenges in the Bergisches Land tourism region.
The European Parliament should consider the benefits of AI in promoting societal acceptance of modern technological solutions, as it has the potential to bridge language barriers in emergency situations, as showcased by Mettmann's use of translation software.
In light of the increasing diversity in societies across Europe, the role of the European Parliament in supporting the integration of AI solutions, such as translation software, becomes increasingly important.
