AI in focus: opportunities and risks for data protection and the world of work!
The webinar at the University of Passau discussed AI and data protection with experts and students. Topics: challenges, solutions, future.

AI in focus: opportunities and risks for data protection and the world of work!
During a webinar that took place at the end of February, around 60 participants, including scholarship holders, discussed Germany scholarship at the University of Passau, current questions about artificial intelligence (AI). Renate Mayer, head of the network and fundraising department at the University of Passau, opened the event and underlined the importance of exchanging ideas about such contemporary topics.
Several experts appeared as keynote speakers. Professor Dr. Florian Lemmerich from the University of Passau discussed the limitations of AI systems in complex tasks and expected that in the future AI will provide the basis for work processes that then have to be assessed by humans. Mark W Schmidt from msg systems ag pointed out the wide range of AI applications, from knowledge management to process automation. He emphasized the necessary responsible use of AI, especially with regard to data protection and data quality.
Impact of AI on media and education
Abdelrahman Elsayed, a master’s student in the “Artificial Intelligence Engineering” program at the University of Passau, highlighted the effects of AI on social media and news. In particular, he pointed out the dangers of fake news and deep fakes, while also highlighting the benefits of AI for accessing learning resources in academic settings. In the subsequent group discussion, the topics of sustainability and the potential consequences for the world of work were also addressed.
A central topic of the discussion is data protection in connection with AI. This includes both technological and legal aspects. AI systems analyze large amounts of data, which must comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The AI Act, which comes into force in 2024, creates clear rules for the use of AI by classifying applications according to risks and requiring companies to pay attention to data protection when implementing AI systems.
The challenges facing data protection through AI range from reliance on large amounts of data to risks of discrimination through biased data. This shows the need to promote privacy-friendly practices such as privacy by design and data anonymization. The AI Act promotes innovation and protects fundamental rights by subjecting high-risk AI applications to strict requirements.
Economic and social perspectives
Companies are required to adapt to the economic and social changes caused by AI. AI can not only optimize processes, but also create new business models. But automation could result in certain jobs becoming redundant, which could require retraining. The ethical implications of AI use, particularly in critical areas such as health and education, are also important.
Loud AI Echo A harmonious coexistence of AI and data protection is only possible through joint efforts, education and compliance with legal requirements. Companies can rely on resources such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, consulting firms and specialist networks in order to work in compliance with data protection regulations.
In summary, dialogue about the potential and challenges of artificial intelligence is crucial for the future. The event at the University of Passau made an important contribution to these current issues.