The Institute for Information, Telecommunications and Media Law (ITM) at the University of Münster has launched the third edition of its English-language Law of the Digital Economy programme. The opening session combined practical insights into corporate AI adoption with an examination of overlapping European data legislation.
Professor Thomas Hoeren welcomed participants and introduced the programme’s structure, study groups, examinations and Q&A sessions. Addressing legal practitioners, international students, Erasmus students and students in Münster, he outlined a course connecting legal foundations with the practical problems of the digital economy.
The first guest lecture, delivered by Professor Wanning of Ansbach University, formerly a data protection officer at Flix, examined the Flix Group’s AI strategy. He traced the development from established machine-learning applications in pricing and network planning towards broader adoption of AI throughout the company. Examples included the customer service chatbot Flora and internal AI tools.
His presentation also addressed the organisational work behind these applications: policies, inventories and practical playbooks, with reference to the AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001. Rising operating costs, risks associated with AI-generated code, and tensions between generated answers and expert legal advice illustrated the challenges that accompany adoption.
Dr Christian Jaksch of Volkswagen/CARIAD then examined the interaction between the GDPR, the e-Privacy Directive, the Data Act and sector-specific legislation. Using connected vehicles as an example, he explained how data protection, rules on access to terminal equipment, and rights of access to connected-product data can intersect. His presentation also considered automotive rules concerning access to repair and maintenance information.
Professor Hoeren concluded with an introduction to the programme’s substantive and methodological foundations. The winter and summer terms cover intellectual property, media and platform regulation, consumer protection, data protection and cybersecurity. He contrasted approaches centred on intellectual property and freedom of information with an approach grounded in balancing European constitutional rights, before introducing international institutions involved in shaping information law.
The ITM thanks both guest speakers for their contributions. The opening session is available on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/6OiwtydflR4
