EU Parliament Disables AI Features on Government Devices Citing Security Risks

Quick Facts

• EU Parliament disabled writing assistants, summarizing tools, and enhanced virtual assistants on government devices Monday
• Internal memo cited concerns about AI tools sending data to cloud servers instead of processing locally
• Decision affects only pre-installed AI features while third-party apps remain available

The European Parliament blocked built-in artificial intelligence features on government devices Monday after security assessments revealed data protection vulnerabilities.

An internal email sent to lawmakers and staff announced the IT department had disabled AI writing assistants, summarizing tools, and enhanced virtual assistants on corporate tablets and phones. The memo stated the department could not guarantee security of AI tools that send data to external cloud services rather than processing information locally.

The email warned that “the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assessed.” Until security concerns are resolved, officials decided to keep AI features disabled as a precautionary measure.

The ban affects only pre-installed AI tools. Staff can still access third-party AI applications and core workplace systems including email, calendars, and office software remain fully functional.

A Parliament spokesperson told Politico the press service “constantly monitors cybersecurity threats and quickly deploys the necessary measures to prevent them.”

The move reflects broader European concerns about digital sovereignty and dependence on overseas technology providers. US legislation like the Cloud Act allows American authorities to access data held by US companies, raising cross-border data protection questions for European institutions.

This decision comes as AI adoption accelerates globally. At least 700 million people now use leading AI systems weekly, according to industry data. However, security experts warn that 94% of survey respondents view AI as the most significant driver of cybersecurity changes in 2026.

The Parliament previously banned TikTok on staff devices in 2023, establishing precedent for blocking technologies deemed security risks. Multiple countries including Taiwan, the US, and Australia have restricted AI tools on government hardware citing national security concerns.

Recent incidents highlight government AI security risks. Last summer, a US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency official accidentally uploaded sensitive documents to ChatGPT’s public version.

The EU’s cautious approach comes as the AI Act implementation continues. Key provisions became applicable February 2, 2025, with full implementation scheduled for August 2026. The legislation affects the €524 billion EU AI market and extends globally through extraterritorial application.

Cybersecurity spending is projected to exceed $520 billion annually by 2026, up from $260 billion in 2021, as organizations address AI-related security challenges. Government agencies face particular pressure to balance AI efficiency gains against amplified cybersecurity and regulatory risks.

Read more: EU Parliament bans AI use on government work devices as security fears rise