Paul Nemitz
About Paul Nemitz
Paul Nemitz serves as the Principal Advisor in the Directorate General for Justice and Consumers at the European Commission and is a prominent figure in discussions on democracy and artificial intelligence. He has played a key role in shaping data protection legislation in the EU and has held various academic and advisory positions throughout his career.
Role at the European Commission
Paul Nemitz serves as Principal Advisor in the Directorate General for Justice and Consumers at the European Commission. In this capacity, he plays a significant role in shaping policies related to justice and consumer rights within the EU framework. His work involves addressing complex legal issues and contributing to the development of legislation that impacts citizens across Europe.
Involvement in AI and Democracy Initiatives
Nemitz is the convener of the interdisciplinary Transatlantic Reflection Group on Democracy and the Rule of Law in the age of Artificial Intelligence. He regularly speaks at the Athens AI Roundtable, where he discusses the implications of AI on democratic values and legal frameworks. His contributions aim to foster dialogue on the intersection of technology and governance.
Educational Background and Legal Expertise
Paul Nemitz studied Law at Hamburg University, where he also served as a teaching assistant for Constitutional Law and the Law of the Sea. He obtained a Master of Comparative Law (M.C.L.) from George Washington University Law School and completed the first and second cycles of the Strasbourg Faculty for Comparative Law. His extensive legal training underpins his work in data protection and internet policy.
Key Contributions to Data Protection Legislation
Nemitz led the reform of Data Protection legislation in the EU, notably the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). He also negotiated the EU – US Privacy Shield, which aimed to facilitate transatlantic data flows while ensuring adequate protection for personal data. Additionally, he was instrumental in negotiating the EU Code of Conduct against incitement to violence and hate speech on the Internet with major US Internet companies.
Memberships and Advisory Roles
Nemitz holds various memberships and advisory roles, including being a member of the German Government Data Ethics Commission until 2019, and serving on the Board of the Verein Gegen Vergessen – Für Demokratie e.V. in Berlin. He is also a trustee of the Leo Baeck Institute in New York and a member of the Global Council on Extended Intelligence of the IEEE and MIT in Boston. His involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to ethical governance and democracy.