The State Commissioner for Data Protection of Lower Saxony, Denis Lehmkemper, is setting up a staff unit for artificial intelligence (AI) in his authority. The aim of the new unit is to monitor the increasing spread and use of AI technologies in terms of data protection law. The unit is headed by Dr Silke Jandt and is tasked with ensuring that the use of AI complies with the applicable data protection laws and that the fundamental rights of citizens are protected.

"Artificial intelligence harbours enormous potential for the economy and society. At the same time, we must ensure that its use is fair, transparent and legally compliant," explained Lehmkemper. "The establishment of the unit is an important step towards proactively addressing the challenges posed by AI, ensuring the protection of personal data in an increasingly digitalised world and at the same time supporting the opportunities presented by technological developments."

Cooperation with private and public bodies

The new staff unit will act as a Centre of Excellence for all issues relating to the use of AI and will work closely with other authorities, the scientific community and private and public bodies. Its work will focus on developing "guard rails" for the use and testing of AI, supporting research projects and assessing the risks that can arise from the use of AI-based systems.

Another central task of the staff unit is to raise awareness among companies and public institutions of the risks that the use of AI can pose to data protection. "We want to ensure that companies and institutions use AI responsibly and integrate AI components into their systems in a data protection-compliant manner," emphasised Dr Jandt.

The establishment of the staff unit for artificial intelligence is intended to help shape the digital transformation in compliance with data protection regulations.

Source: LfD Lower Saxony | Press release no. 16/2024