Overview
- The Digital Ministry confirmed that Karsten Wildberger used generative AI as a routine 'work tool' and said the cited texts were produced with AI support and reviewed by humans.
- A Pangram analysis reported on Saturday indicated several guest articles and speeches — including pieces in Handelsblatt and the FAS and a 2024 Atlantic Council speech — were largely or wholly AI-generated.
- The ministry did not separately inform the affected newspapers that AI had substantially contributed to the pieces, a decision the office defends by comparing AI to standard writing and research tools.
- Pangram is widely seen as a leading detection tool and studies cite low error rates, but researchers and outlets note it does not provide absolute proof that humans did not edit or approve the final text.
- The case has intensified public and political scrutiny because Wildberger leads digital policy, and it follows a similar disclosure controversy involving CDU politician Mario Voigt, leaving possible norms or rules on disclosure under debate.