Young inventors in the hacklabor: creative against digital risks!

Young inventors in the hacklabor: creative against digital risks!

Hagenower Straße 73, 19061 Schwerin, Deutschland - Schwerin, a city in the heart of northern Germany, has created an exciting place for people interested in technology with the “Hacklabor” in the Technology and Trade 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 laboratory has developed into a real hub for creative minds that 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 the promotion of young talent. A special highlight is the "Jugend Hackt Lab", which forms a nationwide network for young people who are enthusiastic about technology.

The hack laboratory is particularly active on every third Saturday of the month when young people aged 12 to 18 come together. Here you can develop your 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 effects 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 tangible alternatives.

The relevance of the project

The hacklabor in Schwerin is the northernmost location of the “Youth hack Lab” and thus encounter an increasing need to bring young people closer to the opportunities and challenges of the digital world. The workshop "#Unplugrump" put the business models of platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram to the test and endlessly dealt with the control of user data by large technology companies. In this context, the offer of the hacklabor is not only important for the participants themselves, but also for society, because it promotes critical awareness of digital issues.

Gerd Kant also regularly gives insights into the work and projects of the hacklabor in the podcast "You should ..." together with Andreas Lußky and Claus Oellkking. Another important aspect of the hacklabor becomes visible here: the formation of a community that promotes exchange and makes the courage to break new ground.

protection of personal data in the education system

A broad context around the hacklabor has current discussions about the influence of AI learning platforms in the German education system. The challenges of data protection, equal opportunities and ethical questions are topics that are discussed at a broad level. Especially when young people come into contact with new technologies, their personal data must be protected. Experts demand that both state institutions and private technology providers take responsibility here to ensure the protection of personal data.

The introduction of AI learning platforms has changed lessons in recent years. Platforms such as Scoyo and Squirrel Ai adapt the lessons to individual needs. This results in opportunities, but also risks: dependencies on technologies and technical failures can raise question marks. Here, an ongoing dialogue about the right balance between innovation and data protection is necessary, as well as [Techzeitgeist] (https://www.techzeitgeist.de/klassenzimmer-im-wandel-ki learning platforms Date protection-und-gleenskheit/).

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