Online administrative procedures: 82 percent demand more digital administration

Six out of ten people in Germany attach great importance to digital policy, but implementation is still lagging significantly. This is according to a representative survey by the industry association Bitkom among 1156 people aged 16 and over. According to the survey, 22 percent state that digital policy is "very important" to them, and another 38 percent consider it "rather important".

Online administrative procedures are at the top of the priority list; 82 percent of respondents wish for progress in digital administration. This topic is thus clearly ahead of all other digital policy concerns. The federal government has already announced steps with its modernization agenda to drive forward administrative digitalization. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be noticeable to citizens. In October, the Merz cabinet adopted an approximately 40-page agenda with 23 key projects.

In second and third place on the survey's priority list are, with 72 percent approval each, a simplification of data protection and the promotion of digital participation for all population groups. Consumer protection on the internet – for example, protection against online fraud – is also important to respondents (66 percent). The expansion of cybersecurity achieves 64 percent approval, and more powerful broadband networks 62 percent.

Simplifying data protection, but how?

The demand for a simplification of data protection is remarkable, especially since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies throughout Europe and Germany has limited national scope for action. Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) had already announced in September that he wanted to reduce bureaucratic costs by 25 percent. A focus here is on reducing reporting obligations for companies.

There is also broad approval for the digitalization of the economy (57 percent), stronger regulation of large platforms and social media (56 percent), and school digitalization (55 percent). The digitalization of schools remains an ongoing issue, despite various attempts and digital pact versions.

Ambivalence regarding artificial intelligence

On the topic of artificial intelligence, the survey reveals a dual demand: 59 percent of respondents wish for reliable control and regulation of AI systems. At the same time, 47 percent call for stronger development of powerful AI from Germany. This ambivalence reflects the current public debate, which fluctuates between technical opportunities and risks.

Further topics on the agenda: digital health services (51 percent), expansion of mobile networks (50 percent), and more online citizen participation and digital democracy (41 percent). Only eight percent state that no digital topic is important to them. Whether the government can meet expectations remains to be seen in the coming months, especially regarding the now imminent implementation of the modernization agenda and concrete improvements in online administrative procedures.

(fo)