How do we handle our data in the age of artificial intelligence—and how do we protect it? These questions were the focus of the workshop “The Light and Shadow of AI Development: How Do You Protect Your Data from AI?”, which took place on April 14, 2026, at the CENTRUM INDUSTRIAL IT (CIIT) on the Innovation Campus Lemgo.
About 55 participants took the opportunity to learn in a practical setting about the opportunities, risks, and specific safeguards associated with AI. The event was jointly organized by the AI Academy OWL and the Detmold-Lemgo Adult Education Center. In his presentation, inIT board member Prof. Dr. Markus Lange-Hegermann began by introducing the functioning and significance of modern AI systems. He clearly demonstrated why data-driven models such as large language models are increasingly shaping our everyday lives.
“Anyone who uses AI is always sharing data. That’s why it’s crucial to develop an awareness of what happens to that data and how to protect yourself,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Markus Lange-Hegermann.
Understanding AI: How Data-Driven Systems Work
The discussion began by focusing on the basic principles of modern AI: systems learn from large amounts of data, recognize patterns, and use them to make predictions or generate responses. It became clear that many everyday applications have long been based on such mechanisms—often without users even realizing it.
Digital Self-Defense in Everyday Life
Leena Simon from the agency digitalcourage then provided a practical overview of digital self-defense. The focus was on specific measures for protecting personal data, such as when using smartphones, online services, and AI applications. Interactive workshop elements and numerous questions from the audience underscored the great interest in using new digital technologies safely and confidently.
Why Data Privacy Is Critical in the Age of AI
It became clear that AI systems require large amounts of data and often rely on information provided by users themselves. This makes it all the more important to develop an awareness of data protection and data sovereignty—especially in everyday life.
“The many specific questions from the audience demonstrated just how prevalent this issue is in everyday life and how much guidance people need when it comes to managing their own data,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Markus Lange-Hegermann.
AI Academy OWL: Shaping AI Responsibly
The AI Academy OWL brings together the AI expertise of several universities in the region and aims to advance artificial intelligence in a responsible, secure, and practical manner. In doing so, it combines technological research with societal issues and promotes dialogue between academia, industry, and the public.
A particular focus is placed on the security of AI systems, the development of resource-efficient and transparent methods, and the dissemination of AI expertise to the public, for example through workshops, demonstrations, and continuing education programs.