Opinion
Lost in data protection?
When Google presented the Duplex software at this year's I/O developer conference, it caused many astonished faces. The call assistant can take over phone calls that we don't feel like making and is almost indistinguishable from a human voice. It can independently make appointments at the hairdresser or reserve a table.
Artificial intelligence has long been commonplace - think of self-driving cars, facial recognition software, chatbots or simply the smart speaker at home. But AI is still a long way from the kind of general intelligence that humans possess, with reason and consciousness. Machines and systems are learning to improve themselves and act independently. The methods behind deep learning are not new; algorithms were developed back in the 1960s. But it is only today, thanks to the internet and social media, that a huge mountain of data has accumulated without which AI cannot work. In industry, the flexibilization of automation and the increasing number of smart, networked devices are generating data that needs to be processed in order to increase added value and achieve competitive advantages.
The GDPR has been in force since May 25, 2018, which could slow down the development of this promising technology. According to a survey by the digital association Bitkom, 63% of companies see data protection requirements as an obstacle to the use of technology, even though the use of AI, blockchain, big data and the Internet of Things is classified as a key competitive technology.
Data protection is certainly important and, in view of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, for example, should no longer be understood solely as the protection of privacy but also as protection against covert manipulation and discrimination. Nevertheless, we should not forget that access to usable data is important for the development of AI, the key to digital transformation. Data alone does not deliver added value - it needs intelligent analysis systems that can be used to create applications and business models. The race for advanced AI has long since begun; Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook and co. are fighting for supremacy and China has also announced its intention to take the lead by 2030.
So let's not get left behind.
Your
Annina Schopen
Editor handling
You might also be interested in
AI automation specialist reorganizes...
Generation change at Insiders Technologies
After almost 30 years at the helm, Werner Weiss is handing over the management of Insiders Technologies. Andree Albrecht takes over the management after a transition phase.
read more...Intelligent brownfield networking
Many industrial companies are struggling with established plant structures and proprietary interfaces. Stefan Klaus' presentation will show in a practical way how brownfield environments can be efficiently networked with open technologies and made...
read more...Factory-X in practice
How can set-up processes in highly variant production be automated efficiently? Markus Benndorff from soffico shows how Factory-X, industrial data rooms and modular architectures create new possibilities for flexible production concepts.
read more...Quality controls in production
Robots check car floor pans fully automatically
How can complex components in automotive production be inspected fully automatically and in real time with the help of machine vision and robotics? The case study shows how floor pans are measured and inspected fully automatically.
read more...Measurement software with integrated calibration wizard
The WinControl measurement software from Ahlborn is designed for the acquisition and processing of measurement data with Almemo measuring devices and offers functions for complex calibration tasks. A graphical user interface and context-sensitive...
read more...New platform facilitates chip design
Siemens opens access to EDA software in Europe
Siemens is cooperating with the Chips JU within the framework of EuroCDP and is facilitating access to modern EDA software for chip design, development and innovation for European companies. The aim is to strengthen start-ups, SMEs and research...
read more...AI and virtual twins for the industry
Dassault Systèmes confirms annual forecast after solid start to 2026
The French software group Dassault Systèmes has made a solid start to 2026 and is continuing to focus on artificial intelligence, cloud applications and virtual twins as growth drivers in its industrial business.
read more...Use data consistently and uniformly
New connectors and an app solution for the IIoT framework from PLCnext Technology make it easier to collect data from controllers, sensors and field devices - especially in existing systems.
read more...How companies can prevent cyberattacks
Instead of using traditional malware, attackers use legitimate programs and system tools within their victims' IT environments. Malicious behavior can hardly be distinguished from normal user behavior. For companies, this means that security...
read more...