Brussels – The European Parliament has moved to restrict the use of artificial intelligence tools on devices used by its members and staff, citing growing concerns over cybersecurity and data privacy. The decision, communicated via an internal email and first reported by Politico, reflects a broader trend of heightened scrutiny surrounding AI’s potential risks, even as adoption of the technology accelerates across Europe.
The move underscores a growing tension between the potential benefits of AI – increased efficiency and streamlined workflows – and the demand to safeguard sensitive information. Lawmakers are being urged to exercise caution, not only with Parliament-issued devices but also with personal phones and tablets used for work-related tasks. This action signals a prioritization of data confidentiality at the highest levels of European governance, even if it means temporarily sacrificing some convenience offered by AI-powered features. The European Union has long positioned itself as a global leader in data protection and AI regulation, and this latest step reinforces that commitment.
The restrictions apply to a range of built-in AI functionalities, including writing assistants, text and webpage summarizers, and enhanced virtual assistants found on smartphones and tablets. While these features offer potential productivity gains, the Parliament’s IT support team determined it could not currently guarantee the security of data processed by these tools. Specifically, concerns center around the fact that some AI features utilize cloud services, potentially transmitting data off the device and raising questions about data handling practices. The Parliament’s e-MEP tech support desk, in the internal email, noted that the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assessed, prompting a precautionary approach.
Data Security Concerns Drive the Ban
The core issue, as outlined in the internal communication, is the potential for data leakage. AI features that rely on cloud processing send data to external servers for analysis, raising concerns about who has access to that information and how It’s being used. The Parliament’s IT team highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the scope of data sharing, stating that as these features evolve and turn into more prevalent, a comprehensive understanding of data transmission is crucial. Until that clarity is achieved, disabling these features is deemed the safest course of action. This isn’t simply a theoretical risk; the potential for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities in AI systems and access sensitive data is a growing threat landscape.
The restrictions do not impact essential work functions such as email, calendars, document editing, and standard applications. The Parliament has clarified that these core services will continue to operate normally, minimizing disruption to daily operations. However, lawmakers have been explicitly warned against using external AI tools to analyze official emails, documents, or internal information. The guidance emphasizes the importance of avoiding third-party AI applications that request broad access to data, further reinforcing the focus on data security.
A Broader Pattern of Digital Safeguards
This decision to limit AI access is not an isolated incident. The European Parliament has been steadily increasing its digital security measures in recent years. In 2023, the Parliament banned TikTok on staff devices, citing similar concerns about data privacy and potential security risks associated with the Chinese-owned platform. There’s also been increasing pressure from some members of Parliament to move away from Microsoft software and embrace European-developed alternatives, aiming to reduce reliance on non-EU technology providers. This push for digital sovereignty reflects a broader strategic goal of strengthening the EU’s technological independence.
The EU’s approach to AI regulation is particularly noteworthy. The bloc is currently finalizing the AI Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the development and deployment of AI systems. The Act categorizes AI applications based on risk level, imposing stricter regulations on high-risk systems that could pose a threat to fundamental rights or safety. This proactive regulatory approach demonstrates the EU’s commitment to fostering responsible AI innovation while mitigating potential harms. The AI Act is expected to arrive into force in stages, beginning in 2024, and will have significant implications for companies operating in the European market.
AI Adoption Continues to Grow in Europe
Despite these cautious measures within EU institutions, AI adoption is rapidly increasing among European citizens. Data from Eurostat indicates that nearly 33% of EU residents used generative AI in 2025, demonstrating a growing interest in and engagement with the technology. This widespread adoption highlights the potential benefits of AI across various sectors, from healthcare and education to business and entertainment. However, it also underscores the need for robust regulatory frameworks and security measures to address the associated risks. The challenge for the EU will be to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting citizens’ rights and data.
The European Parliament’s decision to temporarily disable AI features on lawmakers’ devices is a clear signal that, at the highest levels of government, data security and confidentiality accept precedence over convenience. It reflects a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with AI and a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. While the restrictions may cause some temporary inconvenience, they are intended to provide a more secure environment for lawmakers to conduct their work. This move also serves as a reminder to individuals and organizations alike of the importance of exercising caution when using AI tools and protecting their data.
What’s Next?
The Parliament’s IT team is continuing to assess the security implications of various AI features and will provide further guidance as more information becomes available. The situation is dynamic, and the restrictions may be adjusted as the risk landscape evolves. The ongoing development and implementation of the EU AI Act will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI regulation in Europe. The next key milestone will be the finalization of the AI Act and its subsequent implementation across member states. The European Commission is expected to provide further details on the implementation timeline in the coming months.
The EU’s approach to AI regulation and data security is being closely watched by policymakers around the world. As AI technology continues to advance, the need for robust regulatory frameworks and security measures will only become more pressing. The European Parliament’s recent decision serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of prioritizing data protection and mitigating potential risks in the age of artificial intelligence.
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