Research: Too much proximity to China? Special audit at Cispa

Germany is launching a special investigation into the Saarbrücken-based research center Cispa due to concerns over potential security risks arising from its collaboration with China. An independent special investigator will scrutinize the center's activities to determine if security-sensitive research findings have been transferred to foreign entities and if any legal violations have occurred.

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The freedom of Science and research ends where security interests of the Federal Republic of Germany are endangered.

As part of the inquiry, the scientific director of Cispa, Michael Backes, has been placed on temporary leave until the investigation concludes. Furthermore, all research projects involving Chinese partners have been immediately suspended. The federal and state governments, as shareholders of Cispa, are in close contact with federal security authorities regarding the investigation.

Officials stated that the freedom of science and research ends where the security interests of the Federal Republic of Germany are endangered. Cispa is obligated to cooperate fully with the investigation. Michael Backes expressed his support for his suspension and welcomed the special examination, stating it is in the "interest of a complete clarification."

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The research center is obliged to cooperate fully.

Reports from "Handelsblatt" had previously raised concerns about an "alarmingly intensive" collaboration with Chinese scientists, suggesting that sensitive data and know-how in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity might have flowed to China. The reports highlighted that a significant majority of members in certain research groups focused on IT security, data protection, and AI were of Chinese origin. This situation is viewed with concern given China's law compelling citizens to cooperate with intelligence services when required.

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I support my suspension and welcome the special examination in the interest of a complete clarification.