The European Parliament has implemented a technical block preventing its members and staff from accessing generative artificial intelligence tools on their institution-issued devices. The measure, enacted this week, was taken due to significant data security and privacy concerns, specifically the risk of sensitive legislative information being processed on servers located outside the European Union.
Security Concerns Prompt Immediate Action
The internal decision was communicated to parliamentary staff via email. It explicitly prohibits the use of AI applications such as ChatGPT on all devices provided by the administration. The primary rationale cited is the potential for confidential or classified information to be transmitted to and stored on servers operated by third-party AI companies, many of which are based in the United States.
This move reflects growing apprehension among EU institutions regarding the data handling practices of large language models. Officials are concerned that queries or documents uploaded to these platforms could be retained, analyzed, or potentially exposed, creating a vulnerability for the parliament’s internal communications and draft legislation.
Context of Broader EU AI Regulation
This internal security policy arrives as the European Union is finalizing its landmark Artificial Intelligence Act, one of the world’s first comprehensive attempts to regulate AI. The legislation aims to establish a risk-based framework for AI development and deployment, with strict rules for high-risk applications.
The parliament’s precautionary step underscores the tension between embracing innovative technology and safeguarding institutional integrity. While AI tools offer potential efficiencies, their use by government bodies handling sensitive data requires stringent safeguards to prevent leaks and ensure compliance with EU data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Reactions and Institutional Precedents
The block has been presented as a necessary interim security measure. Other EU bodies, including the European Commission, are also evaluating their policies regarding employee use of publicly available generative AI. Several national governments and private corporations worldwide have instituted similar restrictions on certain AI platforms over the past year.
Security experts note that such bans are a common first response while organizations develop longer-term strategies and approved tools that meet specific data sovereignty and confidentiality requirements. The European Parliament’s IT service is reportedly exploring the potential development or procurement of secure, internally-hosted AI solutions that would keep data within its controlled infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: Policy Development and Secure Alternatives
The current ban is not necessarily permanent but will remain in effect until a formal, secure solution is established. The parliament’s administration is expected to work on defining a clear and comprehensive policy governing the acceptable use of artificial intelligence tools for official work.
This process will likely involve consultations with data protection officers and cybersecurity agencies. The outcome may include a list of vetted and approved AI services that comply with EU regulatory standards, or the creation of dedicated internal systems. The development of this policy will be closely watched as a benchmark for other legislative and governmental bodies globally grappling with the same security dilemmas.
Source: Adapted from multiple news reports.
