Law of new technologies

In the present era of exponentially accelerating technological change, the law of new technologies deals with the dynamic [and disruptive(?)] development of technologies, such as digitalization, AI, autonomous systems and robotics, blockchain, quantum computing, biotechnology, and neurotechnology. These technologies present new and major challenges for the Law. Regulatory mechanisms must strike a balance between harnessing the immense innovation potential, maintaining ethical standards, and ensuring legal oversight, in order to ensure both societal acceptance and legal certainty.

The Institute examines the national, European, and international legal frameworks for new technologies and contributes to the legal discourse on current issues in the aforementioned fields. These include fundamental questions regarding the regulation of disruptive technologies, ranging from the assurance of safety and risk regulation to questions of fundamental and human rights and ethical implications. Issues of digital sovereignty and competition law are also taken into account. Ongoing technological transformation and revolutionary innovations pose fundamental new legal challenges, for example in regulating autonomous decision-making processes, the use of generative AI in sensitive areas such as justice and medicine, or responsibility for algorithmically made decisions. Moreover, in light of the inherently international nature and legal implications of some of the afore-mentioned technologies, international standardization processes and the harmonization of regulatory requirements worldwide are rapidly gaining importance.

The Institute sees its task in providing academic support for these developments, analyzing them legally, and examining their effects and applications in practice. The goal is to contribute to the design of forward-looking regulatory approaches that enable innovation while minimizing risks.