In response to concerns about data security, the European Parliament has disabled AI functionalities on lawmakers’ devices. This decision follows an alert from the IT department, which could not ensure that data processed via AI features would be secure. The issue primarily arises from AI tools that utilize cloud services, which risk sending sensitive data off the device for tasks like email summarization. Citing privacy concerns, tech support noted that understanding the data sharing scope with service providers remains ongoing. As the use of AI on devices continues to grow, it’s deemed safer to keep these features off until clarity is obtained.

Noteworthy is the renewed attention to privacy, especially in light of studies revealing frequent data leaks via generic assistants. Vendors are focusing on on-device AI processing, mitigating the concerns of transmitting data to the cloud.

Lawmakers are wary about sensitive information possibly ending up in undisclosed cloud services. This has led to a widespread ban on AI, with exceptions for essential tools like calendar apps. Until the technical experts fully understand what’s shared and where it goes, the ban stands.

The EU’s scrutiny of AI isn’t new, having previously introduced the first global AI regulation to counter potential risks. Today’s actions highlight data destination concerns over AI specifics. Officials caution against allowing external AI apps unrestricted access to data, underlining a common-sense approach all users should adopt.