Digital Minister Wildberger Criticizes Excessive Data Protection Officers and Pushes Federal Modernization Agenda

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger has sharply criticized the current structure of data protection officers in German politics, highlighting the inefficiency of having 17 officers overseeing 16 federal states. In an interview with the 'Rheinische Post,' Wildberger called this number unnecessary and deemed the inconsistent interpretation of EU data protection rules across Germany untenable, stating, "17 brauchen wir nicht, das ist nicht vermittelbar." He is advocating for this issue to be addressed as part of the federal government's broader 'Modernisierungsagenda.'

This federal modernization agenda, approved by the Bundeskabinett earlier in October and recently debated in the Bundestag, comprises roughly 80 targeted measures aiming to boost digitalization and streamline administrative processes. The overarching goal is to reduce bureaucratic costs by 25% by 2029 while cutting federal and ministerial personnel by at least 8%.

Key initiatives within Wildberger's plan include enabling online company registration within 24 hours, the establishment of a centralized internet portal for vehicle registrations, and launching a digital "Work-and-stay Agency" designed to simplify visa procedures and recognition of professional qualifications for foreign workers.

Wildberger’s criticisms expose significant challenges in Germany’s data protection governance and underline a pressing need for administrative overhaul to enhance efficiency. His federal modernization agenda represents a comprehensive effort to modernize state administration and align more closely with digital era demands, aiming to reduce complexity and improve citizen services.

As of October 18, 2025, these reforms underscore the federal government's commitment to cut red tape and improve digital service delivery, although debates over structural reforms like data protection oversight continue to unfold in political spheres.