“AI Is Everything – Except Intelligent”: Aleph Alpha General Counsel Tobias Haar on the Myths, Risks, and Regulatory Challenges of Generative AI
On May 6, 2025, our law firm, in cooperation with the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce, welcomed around 300 guests to a packed expert lecture by AI insider Tobias Haar, General Counsel of Aleph Alpha, Germany’s leading AI developer. The event took place in the main reception hall of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce.
The evening focused on the technological, legal, and societal challenges posed by the use of generative artificial intelligence today.
Using real-world examples – such as a particularly bizarre AI-generated claim that the elephant “Jumbo” swam across the English Channel – Haar highlighted the often-overlooked need to combine both technical and legal expertise when working with generative AI.
“Artificial intelligence is everything – except intelligent,” Haar remarked, succinctly capturing the essence of today’s AI phenomenon. The true strength of humans, he emphasized, lies in our ability to recognise the weaknesses of technology and use them wisely.
Haar also addressed the regulatory hurdles that European tech companies face in the global market, explaining how Aleph Alpha is navigating these challenges. The EU AI Act, hailed as a landmark in AI regulation, presents significant compliance risks for businesses.
“The AI Act requires all companies and public institutions to adequately train their teams in handling AI. Failing to meet this requirement for AI competence can be costly,” Haar warned.
Sybille Regensberger, Chair of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce’s Division of Information and Consulting, made the opening remarks. Our firm was represented on stage by Georg Huber and Fabian Bösch, both of whom are experts in data, digital, and technology law. The evening concluded with a lively discussion, spurred by numerous contributions from the audience.
We extend our sincere thanks to Tobias Haar for his sharp insights, and to all attendees for their incredible interest. Special thanks also to the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce for their excellent collaboration and to our entire team for their dedication in organizing the event.
A wonderful reunion: Sabine Singer, MBA, founder and CEO of Sophisticated Simplicity, who had stepped in for Tobias Haar during his illness in December 2024, contributed actively to the discussion. Once again, we brought together experts across industries – and across borders – to foster new synergies.
We are delighted with the success of this exceptional event!
Photos: © WK Tirol / Markus Krapf
