Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) is calling for an international oversight mechanism for artificial intelligence agents, drawing a parallel to the global control applied to nuclear energy. Commenting in a letter to Politico’s technology and AI newsletter, he stressed that “the risks are real” and emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to ensure the safety of systems that are becoming increasingly autonomous.
When asked if the International Atomic Energy Agency should serve as a model for this new oversight, Wildberger stated that something similar to it would be appropriate. The growing capabilities of AI models are causing the minister serious concern, reinforcing the necessity of establishing significantly greater security measures.
In his view, unilateral efforts are insufficient. He noted that any successful framework would necessarily involve collaboration between countries like the United States and China. Furthermore, Wildberger is demanding a mandatory reporting obligation for AI security incidents, insisting that such events must be officially reported.
Despite the concerns, the Federal Digital Minister offered a note of caution, stating, “The good news is we are still in control, but we must ensure it does not slip out of our grasp.”
Separate from regulatory demands, Wildberger welcomed the planned introduction of a dedicated subject on AI and the digital world in Hesse. He called this approach critically important, deeming it “extremely important” to educate young people on how to responsibly handle technology, social media, and AI appropriate to their age level.
Simultaneously, however, Wildberger warned against becoming overly dependent on AI applications. He cautioned that when people use technology so frequently that they feel unable to function without it, they are surrendering a part of their independence. Describing this as a “creeping process,” the minister argued that the focus must extend beyond merely providing knowledge; fostering a conscious and appropriate interaction with the technology is critical. He concluded that, much like other aspects of life, the relationship with technology is ultimately a matter of moderation.
