Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger outlines his vision for a start-up culture within his department, aiming to replace existing ministry structures.
Germany's Incoming Digital Minister, Karsten Wildberger, Outlines Plans at re:publica Conference
Berlin, May 1, 2025 - The newly appointed Digital Minister, Karsten Wildberger, presented his initial plans at the re:publica conference in Berlin. Well-known for his role as CEO of Media-Saturn-Holding, Wildberger is now tasked with accelerating Germany's digitalization and modernizing the state.
Previously speaking like a startup founder rather than a minister, Wildberger proposed several key initiatives to drive digital transformation. One of his main goals is the creation of digital identity wallets and citizen accounts, aiming to streamline personal data and identity management online. The ambition does not stop there, as Wildberger aims to establish a European E-ID to strengthen digital sovereignty.
Despite the potential of these projects to revolutionize digital services, only around 4 million people have registered for the German federal ID, with less than 5% adoption. Acknowledging this challenge, Wildberger explained that convincing citizens to adopt digital services is a top priority but admitted that he has yet to provide a solution, as he has only been in office for a few days.
Critics have raised concerns about invasive privacy violations in the development of digital wallets. Kai Dittmann of the Society for Freedom of Rights emphasized the need for boundaries to ensure anonymity and prevent constant surveillance. Such concerns are important as Wildberger's vision of "value-based digitalization" promotes democracy and aims to make Germany and Europe more digitally sovereign.
In an era where digitalization is crucial for modern governance, Germany faces significant challenges in adopting and implementing advanced digital services. With Wildberger's startup-like approach, it remains to be seen whether he can bring the necessary change and propel Germany to the forefront of digitalization within Europe.
- In his initial plans, Germany's Digital Minister, Karsten Wildberger, intends to leverage technology by creating digital identity wallets and citizen accounts, aiming to modernize and streamline personal data management online within the business sphere.
- Amidst concerns about invasive privacy violations in the development of digital wallets, critics such as Kai Dittmann of the Society for Freedom of Rights, question the need for boundaries to ensure anonymity and prevent constant surveillance in light of Wildberger's vision for "value-based digitalization," which aims to promote democracy and digital sovereignty in politics and general-news.
- As Germany undergoes digitalization and modernization, the success of Wildberger's ventures will be closely watched, with skepticism surrounding the low adoption rates of current digital services, like the federal ID, thereby asking if his startup-like approach can drive robust transformation in the broader finance and business sectors within Europe.
