Terms of Use KI:connect@H-BRS

§ 1 Scope and Purpose

These Terms of Use apply to KI:connect@H-BRS, an interface provided by Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) that enables access to generative AI models.

As a first step, the interface establishes a connection to various OpenAI models (GPT models). Direct registration with OpenAI is not required. Registration takes place exclusively with the operator of the interface, RWTH Aachen University. The operator bundles the requests of all users so that individual prompts or chats from OpenAI cannot be assigned to specific individuals.

The aim of these terms of use is to support the safe, responsible and transparent use of generative AI technologies in study, teaching, research, transfer and administration.

§ 2 Definitions

AI chatbot / generative AI: Software that automatically creates texts or other content based on inputs (‘prompts’) (e.g. KI:connect@H-BRS, ChatGPT).

Interface: A technical gateway through which users can access various generative AI models. The interface itself is not an AI application, but establishes the connection to external AI models (e.g. OpenAI GPT).

Prompt / Input: Information, questions or texts entered into the chatbot by users.

Completion / Output: Text or response generated by the AI model as a result of an input (‘prompt’). A completion can consist of individual words, sentences or longer sections of text and represents the result of the model's processing of the prompt.

Chat: A conversation thread within the interface that comprises a contextually coherent conversation between a user and the respective AI model. Chats can be saved and continued at a later time.

Token: A token is the smallest unit into which a text is broken down by the AI model. A token can be an entire word, part of a word or even a punctuation mark. Both the inputs (‘prompts’) and the outputs generated by the model (‘completions’) are broken down into such tokens. Tokens form the basis of internal billing, as the computing power of a model is measured by the number of tokens processed.

Cost element ID: A billing-specific identifier that assigns the use of tokens to specific user groups. Currently, two cost element IDs are provided: one for students and one for university employees. The cost element ID is used exclusively for billing purposes and is not linked to individual users.

Hallucinations: Term for incorrect, incomplete or distorted content generated by generative AI systems.

Automated decision: A decision made exclusively by an automated process that has legal effect on a person or significantly affects them (Art. 22 GDPR).

§ 3 Purpose of use, rights and obligations

KI:connect@H-BRS is intended for study, teaching, research, transfer, university administration and other official tasks. Private use is not permitted – this ensures that resources are used specifically for university tasks.

When using our services, all applicable laws and the regulations, guidelines and policies of H-BRS must be observed, in particular the AI policy, data protection policy, IT security policy and password policy. 

The service may only be used by students and employees of Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences with a valid university login. Access is personal, as are the username and password. This data may not be passed on to third parties. Content generated with KI:connect@H-BRS may of course be passed on as long as this is legally permissible.

The university may temporarily restrict or withdraw the rights of use if there is reasonable suspicion of a violation of these terms of use. The person concerned will be informed immediately; the restriction will be lifted as soon as the suspicion is not confirmed.  

§ 4 Prohibited use

The use of KI:connect@H-BRS is prohibited in certain cases. For everyday support, we recommend the Checkliste Zulässige Nutzung KI-Systeme, which contains practical tips (DOs and DON'Ts) for the safe and responsible use of generative AI.

Exams and coursework

Use in exams or coursework is only permitted if expressly authorised by the teaching staff. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work is also prohibited unless it is clearly and transparently identified as such.

Protection of data and information

No personal data within the meaning of Art. 4 (1) GDPR (e.g. names, contact details or images) and no special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 GDPR (e.g. health data or information on ethnic origin, political opinion or religious beliefs) may be entered as input in KI:connect@H-BRS. Similarly, confidential information, trade secrets or service secrets may not be used.

Automated decision-making

Any use of KI:connect@H-BRS for automated decisions that have legal effect or may significantly affect data subjects in a similar manner without a natural person making the final decision (Art. 22 GDPR) is prohibited.

Third-party rights

Use is prohibited if the rights of third parties are infringed. This includes, in particular, entering, retrieving or distributing copyright-protected works without the consent of the rights holders or using content that infringes personal rights.

Illegal or abusive activities

Any use that violates applicable law or the university's regulations is prohibited. The same applies to the entry or distribution of illegal, discriminatory, offensive or otherwise harmful content.

§ 5 Data protection

The use of KI:connect@H-BRS is subject to the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the data protection regulations of H-BRS. The university ensures that as little data as possible is passed on to external providers during technical provision.
Further information on the handling of personal data in the operation of KI:connect@H-BRS can be found in the separate Privacy Notice.

§ 6 Responsibility and liability

KI:connect@H-BRS uses generative AI. Such systems can occasionally produce incorrect, incomplete or distorted content, referred to as ‘hallucinations’. Users are encouraged to always critically examine whether the results produced are appropriate, correct and suitable.

Responsibility for the use of the content lies with the users. They decide whether and how the results are used.

The university ensures the secure operation of the service, but accepts no liability for damages resulting from its use. The only exception is if damage is attributable to intentional or grossly negligent behaviour on the part of the university.

§ 7 Legal framework

German law applies in conjunction with the relevant European regulations (in particular the GDPR and EU AI Act).

The place of jurisdiction is Bonn, as far as legally permissible.

§ 8 Entry into force and amendments

These terms of use shall enter into force on 15 October 2025.

Amendments shall be announced in good time and shall apply from the date of their publication by the university.