The European Parliament has taken a significant step toward safeguarding sensitive data, disabling built-in artificial intelligence features on work devices issued to lawmakers and staff. The move, communicated via an internal memo this week, reflects growing concerns about data security, privacy and the inherent opaqueness of cloud-based AI processing.
The Parliament’s IT department determined it could no longer guarantee the security of AI-driven functions such as writing assistants, text summarization tools, virtual assistants, and webpage summarization features. These functions rely on cloud processing, transmitting data off the device – a risk deemed unacceptable given the sensitive nature of the information routinely handled by MEPs and their teams, including draft legislation and confidential correspondence.
While the immediate measures apply only to these native AI features on Parliament-issued tablets and smartphones, the implications extend beyond hardware. The internal memo also advised lawmakers to review AI settings on their personal devices, cautioning against exposing work-related information to AI tools that scan or analyze content, and urging careful consideration before using third-party AI applications with broad data access requests. This acknowledges the increasingly blurred lines between official and personal technology use, and the need for vigilance across all devices.
This decision isn’t an isolated incident. The Parliament previously banned TikTok on staff devices in 2023, citing similar data concerns. Ongoing discussions have even explored the possibility of shifting away from foreign-developed productivity software, like Microsoft products, in favor of European alternatives – a move driven by a broader push for digital sovereignty. This reflects a growing desire within the EU to control its technological infrastructure and reduce reliance on non-European entities.
The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which came into force in 2024, provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI, categorizing systems by risk and demanding transparency and human oversight. However, the Parliament’s recent action reveals a tension: while Europe aims to regulate and shape AI on a large scale, it simultaneously expresses caution about trusting the technology with sensitive information. The Parliament is essentially acknowledging that, in certain contexts, the risks associated with AI outweigh the benefits, particularly when data security is paramount.
The Parliament’s decision signals a broader shift in thinking. Even among regulators who have historically championed innovation, the practical limitations of AI integration are now a central concern. Cybersecurity teams are increasingly viewed not just as technologists, but as custodians of trust in an environment where data is both a valuable asset and a significant vulnerability.
For businesses and citizens observing Europe’s regulatory path, this episode offers a valuable lesson. It suggests that the EU’s approach to AI will be pragmatic, prioritizing security and control alongside innovation. While regulations may encourage responsible AI development, European institutions are prepared to implement safeguards – even temporary restrictions – when necessary. This isn’t a rejection of AI, but a measured approach to its implementation.
As AI capabilities continue to evolve and become more deeply integrated into everyday devices, the Parliament’s cautionary step highlights a fundamental challenge of the digital age: balancing the potential of AI with its inherent, often unseen, risks. The institution’s stance – a willingness to temporarily disable powerful features to protect sensitive data – underscores the importance of a “trust but verify” approach, recognizing that even the most advanced technologies require careful scrutiny and ongoing assessment.
Whether other governments will follow suit, or whether this stance will influence corporate product strategy, remains to be seen. However, the message from Brussels is clear: when it comes to AI and sensitive data, a cautious and security-focused approach is now essential.
