20260627 Für Arbeitnehmerdatenschutz gegen KI

27.06.2026 Für Arbeitnehmerdatenschutz gegen KI

Who's in charge? Humans or machines?

We asked ourselves this very question during the Gaza War, when the Israeli army carried out multiple attacks per minute based on recommendations from AI-powered systems. Under international (humanitarian) law, humans must assess and authorize the collateral damage of every attack. We — and others, including military officials — doubted that this was actually happening there, given the sheer volume and rapid succession of the attacks.

Less deadly but just as unlawful is the use of AI systems in the workplace when they strip people of their influence over decisions. The EU AI Act is quite clear on at least some points. For example, “social credit systems” are explicitly prohibited. And that’s exactly what it boils down to when “an AI has decided that you spent too long in the bathroom — and you’re fired as a result.”

That is why eko.org has launched a petition addressed to the European Commission, urging it to prevent people from being discriminated against or even losing their jobs because of the “statements” made by AI agents. eko.org has found that nearly half of all workers in the EU are managed at least in part by algorithms and AI rather than by humans in their workplaces. Now, more than ever, we must discuss employee data protection. In Germany, the FDP and other lobbyists have regularly blocked such legislation for 40 years. Now — in the age of AI — it is high time to clearly regulate which controls and decisions automated systems are permitted to carry out, and what rules of co-determination apply to employee representation and labor unions.

Even though this is a lofty goal, we are calling for a comprehensive, worker-friendly AI law before the meetings in Brussels conclude behind closed doors. The employers’ lobbyists are already seated at the table.
“Workers must be protected, and clear, binding rules must be established in EU law for every company: No one may be fired or discriminated against by an algorithm; no one may be spied on at home; and workers must have a say in decision-making, when AI systems will be introduced.”

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)