1st Bundestag AI Boot Camp: Experts inform about AI opportunities and risks

Philip Fox, 6 July 2023

On 6 July, the 1st AI Boot Camp took place for members of the German parliament. AI experts provided MPs and their staff with an overview of modern AI and its impact on politics and society. 

The in-depth workshop was jointly organized by Cosmonauts & Kings, Project Together and the Center for AI Risks & Impacts (KIRA). There were three thematic blocks:

• Part I explained the technical basics of current AI models: What are neural networks? How does deep learning work? What does it take to train something like ChatGPT?

• Part II introduced concrete best practices from politics: How can AI be used to enrich day-to-day political work?

• Part III covered the risks of AI: What dangers does AI already pose today? What risks will become more relevant in the future? What can politicians do now in order to mitigate these risks?

Inputs from researchers, industry and civil society were followed by an open discussion where participants could clarify their questions and exchange ideas with AI experts.