AI features are blocked by the EU Parliament This article explores eu strengthen data. . Citing unresolved cybersecurity and data protection risks, the European Parliament disabled built-in artificial intelligence (AI) features on corporate devices used by lawmakers and staff.

While important apps like email, calendar, and document editors remain unaffected, the ruling specifically targets AI tools built into tablets and phones. The Parliament's IT department concluded it could not ensure the security of AI features that transmit device data to cloud services for processing, according to an internal email cited in a Politico report. Security Concerns Are Raised by Cloud Data Flows Some assistants performed tasks that could technically be done locally using cloud infrastructure, which raised concerns that private parliamentary data might be sent to outside service providers without complete control or visibility.

The email pointed out that a precautionary shutdown was necessary because it is still unclear how much and what kind of data is shared with vendors as these features develop and become available on more devices. According to Politico, the limitations are applicable to built-in features like enhanced virtual assistants, writing and summarizing assistants, and webpage summary features on phones and tablets that are provided to MEPs and their staff. However, essential productivity tools keep running smoothly, guaranteeing that communications and legislative work are not interrupted.

The Parliament's press service said in a written statement that it keeps an eye on cybersecurity threats. quickly implements countermeasures, but because security policies are sensitive, they declined to specify which operating systems or AI solutions were impacted.

The internal email urged lawmakers to be equally cautious when using their personal devices for work, according to the same Politico report. telling them not to let AI tools that scan or analyze content access to work emails, internal documents, or private information. Additionally, MEPs were cautioned against giving broad or superfluous data-access permissions to third-party AI applications.

This most recent action is part of a larger trend in the EU to strengthen data-security and technology regulations. political pressure to lessen reliance on significant foreign software vendors, as well as prior prohibitions on TikTok from staff devices.

The Parliament's action highlights a crucial governance issue for security leaders: even when the underlying apps and devices seem compliant and well-managed, embedded AI features have the potential to covertly increase an organization's attack surface and data exposure. X, LinkedIn, and LinkedIn for daily ZeroOwl. To have your stories featured, get in touch with us.