Eye Tracking, AI, and Privacy: Our CPDP Panel Discussion Is Now Available Online
What happens when virtually every smartphone, tablet, PC, VR headset, or AR device can record eye movements? And what happens when this massive amount of behavioral data is combined with artificial intelligence and cognitive simulations? These questions were at the center of a recent panel together with our partners from the PRETINA research project at the Computers, Privacy and Data Protection Conference (https://www.cpdpconferences.org/), one of Europe’s leading conferences on privacy, technology, and digital policy.
From left: Murat Karaboga (Fraunhofer ISI) moderated the discussion from a social science perspective, Theresa Krampe (Universität Osnabrück) introduced the ethical implications of eye-movement analysis, and Christian Geminn (Universität Kassel) explored the legal landscape in Europe, especially regarding the AI Act and Data Act. On the screen: Michael Raschke (Blickshift)
We are pleased to share that the recording of the discussion is now available online at YouTube:
Watch the full conversation on YouTube
Eye Tracking Is Moving Into Everyday Technology
For many years, eye tracking was primarily used in research laboratories, usability studies, and specialized industrial applications. Today, however, advances in machine learning and computer vision are rapidly changing the landscape. Many modern devices already contain cameras and computing power capable of estimating eye movements. As these technologies continue to improve, eye tracking may become a standard component of future digital systems.
This development opens exciting new possibilities for:
- Human-computer interaction
- Gaming and immersive technologies
- Healthcare applications
- Education and training
- User experience optimization
- Behavioral research
At the same time, it raises important questions about privacy, ethics, and the responsible use of behavioral data.
An Interdisciplinary Discussion
The panel brought together experts from different disciplines to explore these challenges from multiple perspectives.
Murat Karaboga from Fraunhofer ISI moderated the discussion from a social science perspective, Theresa Krampe from Universität Osnabrück introduced the ethical implications of eye-movement analysis, and Christian Geminn from Universität Kassel explored the legal landscape in Europe, especially regarding the AI Act and Data Act.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the session was the active participation of the audience. The discussion clearly demonstrated that interest in eye tracking is growing rapidly—not only among researchers and developers, but also among people concerned about the societal implications of these technologies.
Why These Conversations Matter
At Blickshift, we believe eye tracking has enormous potential to improve how humans interact with technology and how we understand behavior. However, technological progress alone is not enough. The future success of eye tracking will depend on whether it develops in a way that aligns with societal expectations, respects privacy, and builds trust among users. This is why interdisciplinary discussions involving technology experts, legal scholars, ethicists, social scientists, policymakers, and the public are so important.
If you are interested in the future of eye tracking, AI, privacy, and responsible innovation, we invite you to watch the full recording and join the conversation.
🎥 Watch the panel discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMqvbBP_4Gg&list=PL8z0l8CAoah5-FNPpmTQZWI3pdHRqB_Sy&index=19
The PRETINA project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR):
