Rainer Mühlhoff is Professor of Ethics of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Osnabrück's Institute of Cognitive Science, with additional affiliation at the Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society in Berlin. He leads the Ethics and Critical Theories of Artificial Intelligence research group, focusing on the societal implications of digital technologies through interdisciplinary collaboration between philosophy, media studies, and computer science. His research spans critical analysis of AI's ethical dimensions, including data protection frameworks, predictive privacy violations, and the relationship between algorithmic systems and authoritarian tendencies. Key thematic areas include: Power dynamics in datafication and AI governance Intersectional discrimination in automated decision-making Collective privacy as a structural concern Historical parallels between digital fascism and 20th-century authoritarianism Educational strategies for digital literacy and critical engagement Mühlhoff's recent publications analyze how predictive algorithms enable new forms of population management through insurance discrimination, hiring practices, and immigration control. His work advocates for reimagined regulatory frameworks that address AI's structural power imbalances rather than merely technical fixes. Current research initiatives include the DFG-funded project Predictive Knowledge is Power (2025) examining collective privacy frameworks, and development of school curricula through the Data Ethics Outreach Lab (DEOL) which translates academic research into educational materials for critical digital literacy. Professional activities include regular appearances at major conferences (Chaos Communication Congress, re:publica), media commentary (Deutschlandfunk, ARD), and public engagement through book launches and radio discussions addressing AI's societal impacts.

