Inaugural Lectures: Three ZIBR Professors on Blockchain and AI

Ass.-Prof. Dr. Markus Schreiber (Public Law and Blockchain) examined whether existing data protection law is equipped to handle the challenges of blockchain. Who is responsible in a decentralised network? And what happens when deletion requests meet an architecture that makes deletion nearly impossible?

Ass.-Prof. Dr. Claude Humbel (Private Law and Blockchain) turned to questions of liability: who is accountable when a blockchain- or AI-powered actor operates autonomously? Drawing on vivid examples — from algorithmic investment agents to AI-generated influencers with their own crypto wallets — he explored how today's legal frameworks still trace actions back to human actors. But for how much longer?

Prof. Dr. Max Baumgart (Energy Law and Blockchain) showed how AI can help address the energy trilemma of security of supply, accessibility, and sustainability — while cautioning that smart regulation is needed to build resilience without stifling innovation.

All three professors have been active members of ZIBR since last year. We look forward to the research and teaching they will shape in the years to come.