The Opt-IN research project

The BMBF-funded research project Opt-IN stands for the optimization of informational sustainability for German citizens in data ecosystems. As part of this project, we are dedicating our research and development to the challenges and opportunities of data protection in the context of smart homes and smart cities.

Our objective is to develop a data protection-compliant ecosystem by looking at real-life use cases in the context of smart homes and smart cities. This should enable citizens to transparently track and monitor the flow of their data and thus exercise their fundamental right to informational self-determination.

By developing, piloting and researching citizen-oriented use cases, we want to strengthen trust in and accessibility of digital platforms. In the first phase of the project, the needs and reservations of citizens will be identified. These are crucial for the acceptance and long-term success of smart home and smart city applications.

In the second phase of the project, we are developing the Opt-IN best practice toolkit. This tool makes it easier for SMEs and municipalities to gain easy access to key technologies and scientific knowledge about the needs and concerns of citizens. This will simplify access to key technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all stakeholders.

By developing a live data cockpit, we ensure that citizens have continuous control over their data and are transparently involved in the process. At the same time, Opt-IN contributes to the protection of personal data in accordance with the applicable data protection laws.

We welcome feedback and suggestions on the topic of data protection in the smart home and smart city. We also cordially invite you to participate in our project and are grateful for any support in promoting it. Enter into a dialog with us to jointly promote the secure and responsible handling of personal data in the networked world.

01/10/2023 until 30/09/2026