Berlin’s data protection watchdog has reported an unprecedented spike in public submissions, highlighting growing awareness of privacy rights amid rapid digital transformation. The Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Information Freedom (Berliner Beauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit) announced that complaints and inquiries reached a new all-time high in 2025, driven largely by the accessibility of AI tools that help citizens navigate their rights.
From January through November 2025, the office processed a total of 8,436 cases. These broke down into 2,644 formal complaints—where individuals lodged official grievances against organizations—and 5,772 consultations, in which people sought advice on how to enforce their personal data rights, such as requesting access to information held about them or demanding its deletion. Final figures for December were not yet available at the time of the report, but the partial-year total already underscores a dramatic upward trend.
Meike Kamp, the Berlin Commissioner, described the increase as approximately 50% higher than the volume recorded in 2024. “This marks a clear new peak in engagement with our office,” she stated. The surge reflects not just heightened public sensitivity to privacy issues but also practical changes in how people discover and interact with regulatory bodies.
A significant driver behind the rise appears to be the widespread use of artificial intelligence, particularly generative chatbots like those powered by large language models. These tools are making data protection authorities more visible online. When users ask AI assistants questions about privacy violations or how to file a complaint, the responses often direct them straight to official bodies like Berlin’s commissioner. Moreover, many submissions now show clear signs of being drafted with AI assistance, as they feature polished language, structured arguments, and references that align with common chatbot outputs.
This AI influence has democratized access to justice in data protection matters. For everyday citizens who might feel intimidated by legal jargon or bureaucratic processes, chatbots lower the barrier to entry. They can help formulate clear, concise complaints, explain relevant laws under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and even suggest which authority to contact based on location or issue type. In Berlin, a city known for its tech-savvy population and vibrant startup scene, this trend is particularly pronounced.
The complaints themselves cluster around several key sectors. Banking and financial services top the list, with many cases involving unauthorized data sharing, credit scoring discrepancies, or aggressive marketing practices. Debt collection agencies—often criticized for heavy-handed tactics—also drew substantial scrutiny. Another recurring theme is the forced adoption of mobile apps, where companies require users to download applications for basic services, raising concerns over excessive data collection and lack of alternatives.
Video surveillance remains a perennial hotspot, especially in public spaces, workplaces, and residential buildings, where individuals challenge perceived overreach. Finally, the aftermath of identity theft has prompted numerous inquiries, as victims seek help in removing fraudulent data from records or preventing further misuse.
While the increase signals empowerment for data subjects, it also poses operational challenges for the authority. Kamp highlighted a downside to AI-assisted submissions: they sometimes foster unrealistic expectations. Chatbots may predict favorable outcomes for complaints based on incomplete or outdated information, leading complainants to anticipate quick resolutions that aren’t always feasible.
More concerning are instances of outright inaccuracies. The office has encountered submissions citing fictitious court rulings, non-existent legal precedents, or fabricated academic sources—classic hallmarks of AI “hallucinations.” In some cases, these errors complicate the review process, requiring extra time to disentangle fact from fiction. “We’ve seen predictions about case outcomes that simply don’t align with the law,” Kamp noted. “People rely on these tools at their peril if they don’t verify the details.”
To address this, the commissioner advises the public to treat AI-generated content with caution. Always cross-check facts against official sources, such as the authority’s website or established GDPR guidelines. Critical thinking remains essential, especially when dealing with complex legal matters where nuances can determine success or failure.
This development in Berlin mirrors broader patterns across Europe, where data protection authorities have reported similar upticks since the GDPR’s full enforcement. The regulation, implemented in 2018, grants individuals robust rights and imposes strict obligations on data controllers, backed by potentially hefty fines. As digital services proliferate—from social media platforms to smart devices—privacy infringements become more commonplace, prompting more people to act.
For Berlin specifically, the 2025 figures underscore the city’s role as a bellwether for data protection trends in Germany. With its mix of global tech firms, government institutions, and a population attuned to civil liberties, the capital often sees early waves of such complaints. The authority’s workload reflects not only local issues but also national and even international cases, as Berlin residents interact with services far beyond German borders.
Looking ahead, the integration of AI into civic processes could further amplify these trends. If chatbots continue to evolve and become more accurate, they might streamline legitimate complaints while reducing frivolous ones. Conversely, persistent issues with reliability could erode trust in both AI tools and regulatory systems.
In the meantime, Kamp and her team emphasize their commitment to handling the increased volume efficiently. The office continues to offer free advice and mediation, aiming to resolve disputes without lengthy court battles where possible. For anyone suspecting a privacy breach, reaching out directly—perhaps with a critical eye on any AI help—remains the best step forward.
This record-breaking year serves as a reminder of data protection’s evolving importance in an AI-driven world. As more people awaken to their rights, authorities like Berlin’s are on the front lines, balancing education, enforcement, and adaptation to new technologies.
