Papers by Manuel Wörsdörfer
Recent advances in AI applications have raised growing concerns about the need for ethical guidel... more Recent advances in AI applications have raised growing concerns about the need for ethical guidelines and regulations to mitigate the risks posed by these technologies. In this paper, we present a mixed-methods survey study -combining statistical and qualitative analyses -to examine the ethical perceptions, practices, and knowledge of individuals involved in various AI development roles. Our survey comprises 414 participants from 43 countries, representing various roles such as AI managers, analysts, developers, quality assurance professionals, and information security and privacy experts. The results reveal varying degrees of familiarity and experience with AI ethics principles, government initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies across roles, regions, and other demographic factors. Our findings underscore the importance of a collaborative, role-sensitive approach that involves diverse stakeholders in ethical decision-making throughout the AI development lifecycle. We advocate for developing tailored, inclusive solutions to address ethical challenges in AI development, and we propose future research directions and educational strategies to promote ethics-aware AI practices.
This paper provides a business-and computer-ethical analysis of current antitrust lawsuits, regul... more This paper provides a business-and computer-ethical analysis of current antitrust lawsuits, regulatory investigations, and anti-competitive business practices in the U.S. and E.U., with a focus on the ethical, economic, and societal implications of AI deployment by dominant technology firms. Adopting an interdisciplinary framework that integrates AI ethics and competition policy perspectives, the study examines how corporate concentration in firms such as Alphabet and Meta affects consumer rights/welfare, innovation, market competition, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Drawing on principles of ordoliberalism 2.0, the paper argues that existing regulatory measures are insufficient to mitigate the economic and political power of big tech. It evaluates policy instruments ranging from automatic sanctions to structured enforcement pyramids, ultimately considering corporate breakups as a measure of last resort to restore competitive balance. By linking ethical considerations with practical regulatory strategies, the study offers actionable insights for enhancing AI governance, promoting fair competition, and safeguarding both consumer and societal interests in increasingly concentrated digital markets.
This paper provides a comparative analysis of two prominent AI regulatory frameworks: the E.U.'s ... more This paper provides a comparative analysis of two prominent AI regulatory frameworks: the E.U.'s AI Act (AIA) and California's Transparency in Frontier AI Act (TFAIA). Against the backdrop of a deregulatory, market-driven federal approach in the U.S., California has adopted a precautionary, governance-focused model aligned with E.U. standards, highlighting the global challenge of balancing innovation, safety, accountability, and ethics in AI regulation. While the AIA has been extensively studied, scholarly analysis of the TFAIA remains limited. Drawing on an ordoliberal-inspired framework ('ordoliberalism 2.0') and comparative approaches used in prior studies of U.S. AI executive orders, this paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of both frameworks, comparing their scope, governance mechanisms, and ethical safeguards. It further explores potential reforms to 'harden' AI governance, offering insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders seeking effective strategies to manage AI risks while promoting responsible technological innovation.
This paper contrasts key policy shifts under the second Trump administration with those of his pr... more This paper contrasts key policy shifts under the second Trump administration with those of his predecessor(s), highlighting notable differences in policy style and direction. It focuses on Trump-era policies related to computer ethics, exploring critical areas such as changes in academia and science, big data ethics, industry deregulation, and the evolving landscape of social media platforms like TikTok and X, particularly regarding content moderation and factchecking. Additionally, it examines the intersection of military and surveillance technologies, privacy and data protection in the context of government surveillance and partnerships with companies like Palantir, as well as developments in cryptocurrency regulation, deep-sea mining legislation, and conflict minerals. By addressing these issues, the paper explores the broader ethical implications of Trump's policymaking for AI and digital governance, shedding light on how political shifts influence ongoing debates in technology ethics. The primary aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments, assess their relevance to computer ethics, and raise awareness of emerging ethical challenges in technology and society.
This paper examines how AI is represented in literature, film, and TV, and the ethical insights t... more This paper examines how AI is represented in literature, film, and TV, and the ethical insights these portrayals offer when viewed through the lens of computer ethics and the philosophy of technology. Through a thematic analysis of selected cultural works, it identifies recurring motifs -such as autonomy, emotional intelligence, techno-authoritarianism, and surveillance -and considers their relevance to contemporary socio-political debates on AI. The paper critiques dominant real-world narratives of hype, competition, and dystopian catastrophe (e.g., the Terminator/Frankenstein trope), arguing that they obscure more grounded and socially responsible understandings of technological change. Instead, it advances a framework of technological realism -positioned between optimism, pessimism, determinism, and somnambulism -as a more constructive stance. Bridging popular culture and applied ethics, this interdisciplinary study contributes to a more context-sensitive and critically reflective discourse on AI. The paper concludes by highlighting directions for future research, including the underexplored role of video games in shaping AI imaginaries.
Recent advances in AI -particularly in generative AI and the growing discourse around artificial ... more Recent advances in AI -particularly in generative AI and the growing discourse around artificial general intelligence -have intensified debates about the ethical and socio-political implications of intelligent systems. Yet much of today's discussion lacks historical perspective. This article revisits key moments in AI history to explore how past debates, expectations, and ethical concerns can inform current developments. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach that draws on primary sources and insights from AI ethics and computer philosophy, the paper presents a series of lessons structured chronologically. These include reflections on early philosophical and political discussions, the persistence of hype (and hubris), the role of funding and institutions, and the limits of replicating human intelligence. By critically engaging with the historical trajectory of AI, the article challenges dominant narratives and calls for a more contextaware and ethically grounded framework for shaping the future of AI research, development, and policy.
AI and Ethics, 2026
In recent months, there has been a noticeable shift toward AI deregulation and soft law, particul... more In recent months, there has been a noticeable shift toward AI deregulation and soft law, particularly in the U.S. -exemplified by Trump's revocation of Biden's executive order -and, to a lesser extent, in the E.U., as seen in the adoption of a voluntary code of conduct for providers of general-purpose AI. In contrast to these political trends, this paper argues that the significant risks posed by AI technologies call for stronger and more effective governance mechanisms. It presents ten key reasons why robust AI regulation is essential: the impact of AI on labor markets and social equity (i.e., the global/digital divide); (agentic) AI biases and discrimination; infringements on privacy; the amplification of harmful online content, including dangerous and hate speech and disinformation; business and human rights concerns; environmental consequences; the growing politico-economic power of big tech companies; threats to democracy and the rule of law; and the military implications of emerging AI technologies. Finally, the paper explores potential pathways for future AI regulation (soft vs. hard law and constitutional AI vs. AI guardrails) and proposes strategies to enhance existing regulatory frameworks, such as the E.U.'s AI Act and competition policy.
Philosophy & Technology, 2025
The paper, 'Regula(ng the Undefined: Addressing Systemic Risks in the Digital Services Act (with ... more The paper, 'Regula(ng the Undefined: Addressing Systemic Risks in the Digital Services Act (with an Appendix on the AI Act)' , examines the DSA and its risk assessment and management processes. In this commentary, I aim to highlight the significance of the DSA from a computer ethics perspecDve, explore its limitaDons -some of which are addressed by Loi et al., while others are newly idenDfied -and propose potenDal soluDons in addiDon to those outlined in the original work. To begin, the DSA places new responsibiliDes on major online plaJorms and search engines, which include evaluaDng and managing systemic risks associated with their services and providing jusDficaDons for their methods of addressing those risks. Specifically, the DSA seeks to combat harmful internet content, including conspiracy theories and dangerous and hate speech (European Parliament & Council of the E.U., 2022). 2 However, what precisely differenDates dangerous speech from hate speech, and which ethical challenges do arise?
Philosophy & Technology, 2024
The Domination of Modern Societies by Big Tech Companies') core themes is the transition from sur... more The Domination of Modern Societies by Big Tech Companies') core themes is the transition from surveillance capitalism (Zuboff, 2019) to data feudalism, examining their differing characteristics and implications. 2 As such, the paper extensively discusses big tech and government-related datafication processes and how they impact privacy and other fundamental human rights. In what follows, I aim to delve deeper into some of these concepts and examine the discourse surrounding 'privacy as a human right' (Wörsdörfer, 2023), emphasizing its ethical significance. Additionally, I will explore Bentham and Foucault's concept of the '(digital) panopticon' and its connection to the paper's main arguments.
AI and Ethics, 2024
In recent years, numerous AI ethics and government iniNaNves have emerged globally. The E.U.'s AI... more In recent years, numerous AI ethics and government iniNaNves have emerged globally. The E.U.'s AI Act and the Biden AdministraNon's ExecuNve Order on AI are the most notable legislaNons. While many arNcles have assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the AI Act and suggested reform measures to enhance it, only a few have done the same for the ExecuNve Order. This arNcle addresses this research gap by offering a comprehensive analysis of the ExecuNve Order. Specifically, it provides a criNcal computer-ethical (i.e., KanNan-ordoliberal) evaluaNon of the ExecuNve Order's advantages and disadvantages and explores potenNal ways to strengthen it.
Philosophy & Technology, 2024
AI (ethics) ini-a-ves are essen-al in bringing about fairer, safer, and more trustworthy AI syste... more AI (ethics) ini-a-ves are essen-al in bringing about fairer, safer, and more trustworthy AI systems. Yet, they also come with various drawbacks, including ineffec-ve governance mechanisms, window-dressing, and 'ethics shopping.' To address those concerns, hard laws are necessary, and more and more countries are moving in this direc-on. Two of the most notable recent legisla-ons include the Biden Administra-on's Execu-ve Order (EO) on AI and the E.U.'s AI Act (AIA). While several scholarly ar-cles have evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the AIA and proposed reform measures that could help strengthen the Act, only a couple of papers do the same for the EO or compare the two regulatory ini-a-ves. The following sec-ons try to close this research gap by providing an indepth compara-ve analysis of the EO and AIA. They offer, in par-cular, a cri-cal computer-ethical evalua-on of the EO's and AIA's pros and cons and similari-es and differences and discuss possible ways to improve both legisla-ons.
Global Business and Organizational Excellence, 2024
In light of the rise of generative AI and recent debates about the socio-political implications o... more In light of the rise of generative AI and recent debates about the socio-political implications of largelanguage models, chatbots, and the like, this paper analyzes the E.U.'s Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), the world's first comprehensive attempt by a government body to address and mitigate the potentially negative impacts of AI technologies. The paper critically analyzes the AIA from a business and computer ethics point of view-a perspective currently lacking in the academic (e.g., GBOE-related) literature. It evaluates, in particular, the AIA's strengths and weaknesses and proposes reform measures that could help to strengthen the AIA. Among the AIA's strengths are its legally binding character, extra-territoriality, ability to address data quality and discrimination risks, and institutional innovations such as the AI Board and publicly accessible logs and database for AI systems. Among its main weaknesses are its lack of effective enforcement, oversight, and control, absence of procedural rights and remedy mechanisms, inadequate worker protection, institutional ambiguities, insufficient funding and staffing, and inadequate consideration of sustainability issues. Reform suggestions include establishing independent conformity assessment procedures, strengthening democratic accountability and judicial oversight, introducing redress and complaint mechanisms, ensuring the participation and inclusion of workers, guaranteeing political independence of the AI Board, providing enhanced funding and staffing of market surveillance authorities, and mandating 'green AI.
AI and Ethics, 2023
In light of the rise of generative AI and recent debates about the socio-political implications o... more In light of the rise of generative AI and recent debates about the socio-political implications of largelanguage models and chatbots, this article investigates the E.U.'s Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), the world's first major attempt by a government body to address and mitigate the potentially negative impacts of AI technologies. The article critically analyzes the AIA from a distinct economic ethics perspective, i.e., 'ordoliberalism 2.0'-a perspective currently lacking in the academic literature. It evaluates, in particular, the AIA's ordoliberal strengths and weaknesses and proposes reform measures that could be taken to strengthen the AIA.
History of Economic Ideas, 2023
The recent 'big tech and antitrust' discourse in the U.S. is largely dominated by references to L... more The recent 'big tech and antitrust' discourse in the U.S. is largely dominated by references to Louis D. Brandeis (and the New Brandeis movement), whereas the discourse in the E.U. includes multiple references to ordoliberalism and the work of its primary representative, Walter Eucken. While it is laudable that many researchers worldwide acknowledge Brandeis and Eucken and recognize their business-ethical importance, it is also a missed opportunity to refer to them en passant and not investigate their philosophies in more detail and depth. The following sections attempt to fill this gap in the academic literature by systematically analyzing the primary work of Brandeis and Eucken, critically evaluating, and comparing their socioeconomic and legal philosophies, and pointing out potential future avenues for 'neo-Brandeisians' and 'neo-Euckenians.' The research questions of this paper are twofold: First, it analyzes the parallels and differences between Brandeis and Eucken from a history of economic and legal thought perspective. Second, it attempts to address the question of which lessons can be drawn from their socioeconomic and political philosophies and how they could inspire today's big tech and antitrust debate.
European Competition Journal, 2023
This paper builds on Khan's work on Amazon's antitrust paradox by transferring her normative fram... more This paper builds on Khan's work on Amazon's antitrust paradox by transferring her normative framework to Apple Inc. It explores the company's anti-competitive business practices and main antitrust concerns, as well as the currently proposed reform measures. The paper argues that one of the key antitrust issues with Apple is the company's closed ecosystem combined with its role as a gatekeeper to and of the internet. The E.U.'s Digital Markets Act, which aims to open Apple's ecosystem, primarily via data portability, interoperability, and multi-homing requirements, is a necessary step in the right direction. Yet, it is insufficient to prevent the lock-in effects of a 'walled product garden' and ensure complete device and platform neutrality. That is, additional steps must be taken to overcome Apple's dual role as a platform operator and service provider and inhibit the company from engaging in anti-competitive business conduct. The paper adds to and enriches the existing academic literature in two ways: First, most papers examining Apple's antitrust issues focus on the company's App Store policies while leaving out other forms of anti-competitive business conduct. The following sections, however, analyze and discuss Apple's multiple forms of anti-competitive behavior, not just those related to a particular market segment. Second, and more importantly, this paper approaches the 'Apple and antitrust debate' from an innovative business ethics and law (i.e., ordoliberal) perspective.
The Antitrust Bulletin, 2023
The recent antitrust discourse in the U.S. is dominated by references to Brandeis and the New Bra... more The recent antitrust discourse in the U.S. is dominated by references to Brandeis and the New Brandeis movement. While it is laudable that many researchers acknowledge Brandeis' work and recognize its businessethical importance, it is also a missed opportunity to refer to him en passant and not investigate his philosophy in more depth. The following sections attempt to fill this gap in the academic literature by critically evaluating-and comparing-Brandeis' social philosophy with the one of the New Brandeis movement. The research questions of this paper are twofold: First, it analyzes the parallels and differences between Brandeis and neo-Brandeisianism. Second, it addresses the question of which references to his work are valid and legitimate and which ones are not. The paper shows that Brandeis' work encompasses much more than just competition policy; reducing him to antitrust issues (only) does not do him justice as it ignores significant parts of his social philosophy. The paper also shows that Brandeis was skeptical of big business and big government. In contrast, the new Brandeis movement focuses solely on anti-bigness in the economy while ignoring Brandeis' demand(s) in the political sector.
History of Economic Thought and Policy, 2023
The recent 'big tech and antitrust' discourse in the U.S. and abroad is primarily dominated by re... more The recent 'big tech and antitrust' discourse in the U.S. and abroad is primarily dominated by references to Louis D. Brandeis and the so-called New Brandeis movement, also known as 'hipster antitrust.' While it is laudable that many researchers-and politicians-acknowledge and recognize the work of Brandeis, it is also a missed opportunity to refer to him en passant and not investigate his socio-political philosophy in more depth. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the academic literature and evaluate Brandeis' achievements and (theoretical) shortcomings from a history of economic and legal thought perspective. It does so by taking a closer look at the life and work of Brandeis and analyzing his socioeconomic and legal philosophy. Furthermore, the paper addresses the question of which lessons can be drawn from his work and how it could inspire today's political discourse(s).
Philosophy of Management, 2023
The E.U. is shortly before implementing the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to regulate dig... more The E.U. is shortly before implementing the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to regulate digital markets and (ideally) rein in the power of big tech gatekeepers. Several researchers claim that this proposal-and especially its goal to ensure the contestability and fairness of digital markets-is ordoliberal in nature, yet what is missing in the academic literature is a closer look at the parallels (and differences) between the E.U.'s competition policy (and the DMA) and ordoliberalism. This paper tries to close the gap and help answer the question of whether the DMA is indeed standing in an ordoliberal tradition. Furthermore, it evaluates the Act's institutional strengths and weaknesses-as seen from an ordoliberal perspective-and points out potential ways to strengthen E.U. competition policy (and the DMA) and bring it closer to the ordoliberal ideal.
Oxford Handbook of Ordoliberalism, 2022
Walter Eucken was one of the main representatives of the Freiburg School of Law and Economics and... more Walter Eucken was one of the main representatives of the Freiburg School of Law and Economics and German 'neoliberalism', also known as Ordoliberalism. This chapter portrays and analyses Eucken's life and work as well as his Ordoliberal legacy. It begins by taking a closer look at Eucken's personal background and his work as an economist-philosopher. It then examines at great length his main publications-the Grundlagen der Nationalökonomie (Foundations of Economics) and the Grundsätze der Wirtschaftspolitik (Principles of Economic Policy)-from a history of economic thought and business ethics perspective. The chapter concludes with some remarks on Eucken's legacy and the implications of his work for today's global political economy.