The institute should explore whether and how information from the internet can help in the assessment of creditworthiness. In view of "some misunderstandings in the public" about the agreed research approach and reactions based on it, such a scientific project cannot be carried out unencumbered and with the necessary calm, explained HPI director christoph meinel on friday.
Although schufa and HPI had emphasized that this was exclusively an open-ended research project, the idea came under massive fire from politicians of all parties and data protectionists on thursday. "Schufa must not become the big brother of business," warned consumer affairs minister ilse aigner (CSU). Justice minister sabine leutheusser-schnarrenberger (FDP) also made it clear that she sees no scope for such ideas. It was already clear at this point that schufa would not be able to implement the findings of the three-year project.