Algorithmen_Pablo Lagarto - Adobe Stock — Credit: Pablo Lagarto - Adobe Stock

Artificial Intelligence & algorithmic systems

Algorithmic Systems (ADM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have an increasing impact on decisions about consumers, for example via scoring procedures in the financial sector. AI-based recommender systems and voice assistants such as Alexa & Co increasingly influence consumer decisions.

Due to a lack of transparency, consumers are often suspicious of AI applications. It is difficult even for experts to determine whether the systems take wrong decisions or violate existing laws, for example with regard to discrimination or to the manipulation and deception of consumers.

Therefore, the European Commission will propose a regulatory framework for AI. However, the European Commission’s drafts presented so far fall short of consumers’ needs.

A European regulatory framework for AI must ensure that AI applications comply with EU legislation and are in line with European values. This would enhance consumers’ acceptance and their demand for AI technology.

      
        vzbv demands    
    important AI decisions must be transparent and comprehensible for consumers
independent experts and authorities must be able to check whether critical AI systems comply with the law
the EU legal framework for algorithmic systems should follow a gradual risk-based approach
the legal framework should introduce quality standards for profiling and automated decisions
operators of AI systems must be obliged to prepare and publish a risk impact assessment

News

Ramona Pop, Vorständin des vzbv — Credit: dpa/picture-alliance/vzbv

14.06.2023AI: Strong consumer rights and protection needed

The European Parliament adopted a negotiating position on the AI Act in Brussels on 14 June 2023. Regarding the upcoming trilogue negotiations, the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) calls for the AI Act to grant consumers strong rights with respect to AI operators.

Frau sitzt vor einem Laptop und zeigt mit dem Daumen nach unten. — Credit: Krakenimages - Adobe Stock

09.12.2022Call to make AI Liability Directive more consumer friendly

vzbv publishes position paper on the European Commission’s proposal for an AI Liability Directive (AILD)

20.10.2022Compliance with AI-rules: Simplify external quality Control

vzbv publishes expert opinion on conformity assessments in the Artificial Intelligence Act.

EU legislators must close dangerous loophole in AI Act

Open letter of 100+ organizations | September 2023

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PDF | 53.1 KB

Position paper on AI liability

Position paper of the vzbv on the European Commission's proposal for a directive on AI liability (COM (2022) 496) | 28. November 2022

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PDF | 458.46 KB

Conformity Assessment in the Artificial Intelligence Act

Report | October 2022

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PDF | 533.87 KB

Artificial Intelligence needs real world regulation

Position paper of the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) on the European Commission’s proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA).

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PDF | 634.88 KB