Linke on digital affairs

The Left wants AI systems to be audited regularly by an independent body and wants existing data protection laws to continue to apply to them. Employees' personal rights are to be protected in digital workplaces as well.

AI is software that learns on its own. The Left wants such systems checked regularly. An independent body should do this. Data protection rules should apply to AI too. Companies should not monitor their workers unlawfully.

The audits would cover respect for human rights and human dignity as well as the accuracy and usefulness of the information. Where personal data is processed, audit results should be available at least to those affected and preferably to the public. Special AI laws should not override data protection law. The Left wants more staff for the data protection and transparency commissioners, implementation of the European AI Act, and an updated digital strategy for Saxony. Labor and automated production should be taxed in a way that does not disadvantage businesses that work in traditional ways.

The Left wants to expand the state's IT service providers and introduce uniform hardware, software and security standards in all ministries and agencies. Open-source software is to take priority in order to make the public sector less dependent on private companies.

Saxony's offices use different computer programs. The Left wants the same technology for all. It prefers open source. These are programs whose code is open to everyone. This makes the state less dependent on companies.

The state enterprise Sächsische Informatik Dienste and other state IT units should grow as service providers. Agency-specific stand-alone solutions should be phased out where possible. During transitions, employees should be informed, trained and supported. In the party's view, open source also helps prevent a creeping privatization of public services.

The Left wants to speed up broadband expansion and close coverage gaps. Because it believes the market fails in some places, a state-owned company would ensure coverage everywhere.

The Left wants fast internet everywhere. It is often missing in rural areas. Companies do not always build there. So the state should set up its own company. This company should bring internet to every place.

The platform sees fast internet as a precondition for making rural regions attractive to young people and start-ups. So-called white spots, meaning areas without adequate coverage, are to disappear. A Saxon digitalization company would step in where private providers do not build networks.

The Left rejects censorship, website blocking, surveillance and the storage of data without specific cause. It regards the internet as an essential public service and wants, in the long run, to give everyone free access.

The Left wants a free internet. Agencies and companies should not watch people online. They should not store data without a reason. Everyone should have internet access. Later, this access should be free of charge.

Users' anonymity and protection are to be guaranteed; the state should not buy or exploit security vulnerabilities. The state and municipalities are to expand digital infrastructure, which should be open to all on equal terms. The Left wants to promote open standards, open data and open access and make public information generally available. Instead of growing monopolies, the digital sector is to become more decentralized.

The Left wants to set up a dedicated state ministry and a parliamentary study commission on digitalization to assess the effects of new technology on fundamental rights. Public agencies would have to disclose where and why they use AI systems, and public administration is to go digital faster.

The Left wants a separate ministry for digital matters. Agencies should say where they use artificial intelligence. Offices should put their services online faster. There should be more help against hate on the internet.

The ministry and commission are to assess how technologies and laws affect fundamental rights and freedoms and propose democratic, sustainable solutions. More money is to be provided for digitalizing public services under the Online Access Act. Government bodies and counseling and awareness programs against online hate and violence are to be expanded, starting in elementary school. The Left also wants to promote environmentally friendly IT, keep and expand repair cafés, and remove legal obstacles to repair and hardware donations.