Artificial intelligence at German security authorities

Big data technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are also increasingly being used by German and European security authorities. However, the first legislative regulations in this area in Germany were rejected by the Federal Constitutional Court, most recently in the ruling on the regulation of automated police data analysis in Hesse and Hamburg (ruling of 6.2.2023 - 1 BVR 1547/19, "automated data analysis"). The KISib project group is taking this as an opportunity to analyze the development from a jurisprudential point of view and also to look at issues relating to the philosophy of technology.

The aim of the project group, headed by Prof. Dr. Michael Bäuerle, LL.M. (Law, Hessian University for Public Management and Security) and Prof. Dr. Petra Gehring (Philosophy, Technical University of Darmstadt), is to determine the requirements and limits of regulating the use of big data analyses and AI in the area of internal security. The practical implementation of the new technologies will also be included in the dialog with the security authorities. European developments will also be the subject of consideration. These include Europol's powers to carry out big analytics, which will be included in the Europol Regulation in 2022, and the draft AI Act, where the planned exemptions for security authorities are among the most controversial issues.

Researchers from the fields of law, computer science, business informatics and philosophy are involved in the group. At the University of Kassel, the project is located in the Faculty of Economics and Management and here in the Department of Public Law, in particular Environmental and Technology Law. Project Leader is Priv.-Doz. Dr. Christian Geminn. He is supported by Lea Rabe. The project will run until 31.12.2024.

The project group "Big Data and AI in the field of German security authorities (KISib)" is part of the Hesse-wide research and competence network Centre for Responsible Digitalization (ZEVEDI).

The network is based at the Technical University of Darmstadt. It pools the scientific expertise of Hessian universities to analyze normative aspects of digital change and contributes to shaping this change. All Hessian universities and several Hessian universities of applied sciences are currently involved in the center. ZEVEDI defines responsibility as an important aspect of technology development and works to make it practicable, provides research services, strengthens the transfer of knowledge into the economy and society and advises politicians on a research-based basis - for a democratic and humane orientation of digital change. The scientific director of the center is Prof. Dr. Petra Gehring. Dr. Christiane Ackermann is head of the office at TU Darmstadt. ZEVEDI is funded by the Hessian Minister for Digital Strategy and Development.

Contact:

Lea Rabe
University of Kassel
Department of Public Law, in particular Environmental and Technology Law
E-mail: rabe[at]uni-kassel[dot]de