Principles for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ILIAS

Adopted by the Advisory Council on February 25, 2026 and accepted by the General Meeting of Members on March 20, 2026

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ILIAS (LMS) should purposefully enhance the learning and teaching environment and provide real added value for all user groups in academic and education-related contexts. The integration of AI in ILIAS follows key principles:

Human agency remains central.

Agency lies with the people who use, shape, and develop ILIAS. AI should support, enable, and facilitate — but not replace human decision-making, creativity, or responsibility. AI-driven functionalities aim to complement teaching, learning, and work processes while creating new opportunities. Humans remain the decisive authority, evaluating and taking responsibility for outcomes.

AI should create value for teaching and learning.

AI should efficiently support teaching and learning processes while enabling innovation. Through agentic tools (e.g., for designing learning spaces), AI can simplify administrative tasks, improve support services, and enhance the personalization of learning processes

AI use in ILIAS is transparent and compliant with data protection.

Data protection, the EU AI Act, and digital sovereignty form the foundation of AI integration. ILIAS supports both locally deployable AI systems and state-of-the-art solutions while avoiding vendor lock-in. All parameters transmitted to AI systems must be transparent, visible, and modifiable for users. Basic ILIAS use should remain possible without AI integration.

AI-generated content is labeled and critically reflected.

ILIAS helps users trace the origin of content. Educators and learners should be able to critically reflect on AI-generated content without obscuring its limitations.

Interoperability is ensured, and API standards are supported.

AI integration is based on open standards and facilitates compatibility with existing IT infrastructures. Through interoperable interfaces, ILIAS remains adaptable and compatible with evolving AI tools and protocols.

AI integration development is transparent and community-driven.

Development follows an open, community-driven process that promotes digital sovereignty — enabling self-determined, independent, and responsible technological decisions.

Global sustainability goals are pursued.

AI use in ILIAS aligns with responsible and resource-efficient practices. We particularly contribute to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): quality education and equal opportunities, gender equality, reduced inequalities, sustainable consumption and production, climate action, and global partnerships. https://www.unesco.de/en/our-commitment/unesco-and-sustainable-developments-goals