EU Parliament Pulls the Plug on AI Tools Over Data Privacy Fears

EU Parliament Shuts Down AI on Lawmaker Devices

The European Parliament has taken the significant step of disabling built-in artificial intelligence features on work tablets and smartphones used by Members of the European Parliament and staff. The decision, communicated via an internal email first reported by POLITICO, came after the Parliament's IT department concluded it could not guarantee the security of data processed by these AI tools.

Cloud Data Transmission Raised Red Flags

The Parliament's technical support team identified a key concern: some AI features were quietly transmitting data to cloud servers for processing tasks that could have been handled locally on the device itself. The disabled tools include writing assistants, summarisation features, enhanced virtual assistants, and webpage summarisers on both tablets and smartphones. Everyday applications such as email, calendar, and document tools remain unaffected.

An internal communication stated that the full extent of data shared with service providers was still being assessed, and until that process was complete, it was considered safer to keep the features turned off.

Digital Sovereignty Concerns Intensify

The move sits within a broader European push for digital sovereignty and reduced dependence on foreign technology providers, particularly American companies. Central to these concerns is the United States CLOUD Act, which grants American authorities the power to access data held by US companies even when that data is stored in Europe.

The Parliament has a track record of similar precautions. In twenty twenty-three, it banned TikTok on staff devices over cybersecurity concerns related to the Chinese-owned application. In November twenty twenty-five, a cross-party group of thirty-eight MEPs urged the Parliament to move away from Microsoft software in favour of European alternatives.

Personal Device Guidance Issued

The Parliament also encouraged lawmakers to apply similar precautions to their personal devices, particularly those used for work-related tasks. MEPs were advised to review AI settings, restrict application permissions, and avoid exposing work emails or internal documents to AI features that scan or analyse content. The Parliament's press office confirmed it constantly monitors cybersecurity threats but declined to elaborate on specific security measures.