/image alliance, Westend61, Andrew Brookes
Frankfurt am Main – According to a newspaper report, Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) wants to relax the requirements for research on embryos and stem cells or nuclear fusion. The relevant German laws are too strict and outdated, she cites Sunday newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAS) from a ministry article. The minister also criticizes the EU law on artificial intelligence.
The Embryo Protection Act and the Stem Cell Act set “too narrow limits” on research – including the possibilities for international cooperation, the letter continues. FAS was sent to several research organizations. The legal framework “therefore needs to be urgently reviewed”.
When it comes to nuclear fusion, it is said that it should not be subject to the same strict rules as the much riskier nuclear fission. “Therefore, preparations for developing a fusion law should begin as soon as possible.” Relevant research is still at an early stage.
The Embryo Protection Act regulates artificial insemination through in vitro fertilization. The aim is to prevent the misuse of the technology. It has long been criticized, for example, because of the strict rules, couples traveled abroad to undergo artificial insemination. The Stem Cell Act prohibits the import and use of human stem cells for research purposes, with minor exceptions.
Research Minister Stark-Watzinger criticizes EU AI law FAS They say it is too restrictive. When implemented in national legislation, “experimental spaces open to research should be created”. She also wants to advocate changes to the law at EU level.
The AI law came into force on Thursday and prohibits AI applications that divide people into groups based on criteria such as skin color or religious views. In general, the FDP politician complains about the “great emphasis on risks in technology assessment” in Germany. © afp/aerzteblatt.de