Young inventors in the hacking laboratory: Creative against digital risks!

Young inventors in the hacking laboratory: Creative against digital risks!

Schwerin, a city in the heart of northern Germany, has created an exciting place for people interested in technology with the “Hack Lab” in the Technology and Commercial Center (TGZ). Gerd Kant, software developer and board member of the Schweriner Hackspace e.V. association, is one of the co-organizers of this project. With around 60 members, the hack lab has developed into a real hub for creative minds who deal with topics such as hardware, software and data protection. The focus is not only on current developments in the digital world, but also on promoting young talent. A special highlight is the “Jugend hackt Lab”, which forms a nationwide network for technology-loving young people.

The Hacklabor is particularly active on the third Saturday of every month, when young people aged 12 to 18 come together. Here they can develop their own ideas, take part in workshops and learn to use technology sensibly and critically. An impressive example of this is the workshop entitled “#unplugTrump”, which took place on May 17, 2025 and dealt with the social impact of social networks and their business models. In small groups, participants discussed topics such as data protection and digital self-determination, while at the same time researching alternative tools such as free messengers and independent search engines. The aim was not only to criticize, but above all to show solid alternatives.

The relevance of the project

The hack laboratory in Schwerin is the northernmost location of the “Youth Hack Lab” and thus meets an increasing need to introduce young people to the opportunities and challenges of the digital world. The “#unplugTrump” workshop put the business models of platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram to the test and delved endlessly into the control of user data by big technology companies. In this context, the hack lab's offering is important not only for the participants themselves, but also for society, because it promotes a critical awareness of digital topics.

Gerd Kant also regularly gives insights into the work and projects of the hack lab in the podcast “Man muss mal…” together with Andreas Lußky and Claus Oellerkking. Another important aspect of the hack lab becomes visible here: the formation of a community that promotes exchange and gives people the courage to explore new paths.

Protection of personal data in the education system

A broad context around the hack lab is emerging through current discussions about the influence of AI learning platforms in the German education system. The challenges of data protection, equal opportunities and ethical issues are topics that are being discussed on a broad level. Especially when young people come into contact with new technologies, their personal data must be protected. Experts are calling for both government institutions and private technology providers to take responsibility to ensure the protection of personal data.

The introduction of AI learning platforms has changed teaching significantly in recent years. Platforms like Scoyo and Squirrel AI adapt lessons to individual needs. This creates opportunities, but also risks: dependencies on technologies and technical failures can raise question marks. An ongoing dialogue about the right balance between innovation and data protection is necessary here, as TechZeitgeist also states.

In this environment, the Hacklabor is once again proving to be a pioneer by creating a space in which young people not only learn how to use technology creatively, but also how to move responsibly in the digital world. The hack laboratory not only offers a platform for technical knowledge, but also for understanding social contexts. It remains exciting to see how this commitment will develop in the future.