Artificial Intelligence: Karsten Wildberger defends use in speeches and articles

German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger has reportedly relied heavily on artificial intelligence to draft speeches and opinion pieces for major newspapers. An analysis using the software Pangram suggests that a substantial portion of these texts were generated by AI.

According to a report in "Die Zeit," an article published under Wildberger's name in the "Handelsblatt" in April 2026 was almost entirely AI-generated. Similarly, a contribution to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung" (FAS) in March was largely composed by AI. The analysis also indicated that a speech given to the Atlantic Council in Washington in July 2024 was completely AI-generated, as were several speeches in the Bundestag.

"Die Zeit" identified typical AI text characteristics, such as the use of em dashes, triplets of words, and negations, as indicators in Wildberger's texts. Pangram, a tool based on an AI model itself, is considered a reliable, though not definitive, method for detecting AI-generated content, with a reported error rate of no more than two percent.

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Yes, Federal Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger also uses AI as a work tool. The texts mentioned were prepared with the support of AI.

The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport confirmed the use of AI, stating that "Federal Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger also uses AI as a work tool." A spokesperson emphasized that ultimate responsibility always lies with the human, who must "check, change, and decide." The ministry did not disclose the AI use to the newspapers, viewing AI as a supportive tool akin to word processing software, research tools, or editorial assistance.

This situation draws parallels with Thuringia's Minister-President Mario Voigt (CDU), who also admitted to using AI in his communications. Voigt faced scrutiny over guest articles and a text honoring victims of National Socialism. His office stated that AI is part of modern work processes in 2026 and that there is no general labeling requirement for AI-assisted texts.

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A separate disclosure to the editorial offices did not take place – because Minister Wildberger considers AI a supportive work tool, about the use of which one does not account differently than about word processing, research tools or editorial support.