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Kampagne

AI Explained: From Regulations to Practice

Artificial intelligence opens up numerous opportunities for businesses. However, it also raises questions about legal compliance and organisational implementation. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) provides an overview of key regulations and offers tips for integrating AI into business operations.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a key competitive factor. Whether in automating administrative processes, efficiently analysing large datasets, or deploying chatbots, AI promises significant potential for boosting performance and reducing costs. However, companies must comply with legal frameworks while implementing AI.

AI is becoming a key competitive factor. Whether in automating administrative processes, efficiently analysing large datasets, or deploying chatbots, artificial intelligence offers immense potential for enhancing performance and cutting costs.

At the same time, companies need to respect legal frameworks during implementation. The European AI Act establishes binding regulations for all businesses developing or applying AI systems, including requirements for risk assessments, transparency, and data usage. Additionally, legal considerations such as data protection, licensing, contract law, and liability must be factored into AI applications.

What is covered by the AI Act? Which other laws and regulations should be considered? How can AI be integrated into organisational structures? The DIHK consolidates relevant information on this page. Additionally, related podcast episodes explore these issues with lawyer Matthias Orthwein in detail.

About the Person

Dr. Matthias Orthwein
© SKW / Sandra Hermannsen

Dr Matthias Orthwein, LL.M., is a solicitor and partner at the law firm SKW Schwarz. In addition to IT and data security law, his work focuses on issues related to artificial intelligence. He holds a lectureship for IT and data protection law in Applied Artificial Intelligence at the Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences.

As a recognised and experienced expert in national and international IT and data protection law, the digital law specialist is represented in all relevant professional media and rankings (including as "IT Lawyer of the Year 2023") in Germany and internationally. He also regularly gives lectures and seminars on these topics.

Learn more

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Please Note: The podcasts were recorded at the end of 2025. Any court rulings or initiatives, such as the EU Digital Omnibus Acts made after the recording, are not addressed within.

More Information

Our "BreAIkfast" webinar series demonstrates how businesses can practically use artificial intelligence in everyday operations.

The IHKs also regularly provide updates on AI use through online events. We list these and other digital webinars under the title "TogetherDigital.

Relevant in topic:
Innovation
Key areas:
  • Digitalisierung

Released 17.02.2026

Modified 09.06.2026

All articles of this campaign

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1. What is the AI-Regulation About, and What Does It Regulate? An Overview

The European AI Regulation governs the use of AI systems and the statistical models they utilize, providing a uniform legal framework across the EU. It applies directly in all EU member states and concerns both companies using AI internally and those offering AI products and services externally.

Date of publication 09.06.2026
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Podcast Innovation

2. How does the AI Act regulate AI systems with different risk profiles?

The AI Act categorizes AI systems into various risk levels, which determine the requirements, reporting obligations, and regulations for their usage. The risk depends on how the AI is utilized and its interaction with humans.

Date of publication 09.06.2026
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Podcast Innovation

3. Who needs to observe the rules of the AI regulation?

The AI regulation differentiates between several actors, each with distinct obligations. It is crucial to determine whether you act as a provider or an operator of an AI system. These roles define which rules apply to you.

Date of publication 09.06.2026
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Podcast Innovation

4. What is General-Purpose AI and what regulations apply to these systems and models?

General-Purpose AI, or GPAI, refers to powerful models like OpenAI’s GPT or Google Gemini. Unlike specialised AI, these models are versatile and can be used in various applications, such as chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT) or digital assistants like Copilot.

Date of publication 09.06.2026
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Podcast Innovation

5. What regulations do you need to keep in mind besides the AI Act?

In addition to the AI Act, businesses must also consider data protection, copyright, and licensing conditions. This applies to both the inputs into AI systems and the outputs generated by these systems.

Date of publication 09.06.2026
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Podcast Innovation

6. What Organisational Integration Does AI Require in Companies?

Prerequisites for successfully using AI in companies are accountable individuals who guide and drive the introduction and use, guidelines that provide users with security in utilising AI systems, and the teaching of the necessary competence for using AI.

Date of publication 09.06.2026
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Podcast Innovation

7. How to Determine Practically Which AI Systems Are Usable for Which Purpose?

The usage of AI in daily business operations must adhere to numerous legal, technical, and ethical directives. Several tools have been established to successfully ensure compliance, regarded as helpful by many companies.

Date of publication 09.06.2026

Contact

Siefert, Arian_quad

Arian Siefert

Director Digital Economy

E-mail
siefert.arian@dihk.de
Telephone
+49 30 20308 2118
Jonas Wöll_quer

Jonas Wöll

Director Digital Single Market, EU Transport Policy, Regional Economic Policy

E-mail
woell.jonas@dihk.de
Telephone
+32 2 286 1639

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