The European Parliament disables AI features on work tablets and smartphones used by members and staff due to cybersecurity and data protection concerns. The decision follows an assessment by the Parliament’s IT department, which concluded that the AI tools could not be guaranteed secure for handling sensitive information. The measures apply to AI functions such as writing and summarizing assistants, AI chat assistants, and web page summarizers.
Focus on Data Security and Device Protection
The European Parliament disables AI features on work rely on cloud services to process tasks that could otherwise be performed locally. This approach can result in data being transmitted off the device, potentially exposing confidential information. Until the full scope of data sharing with service providers is clarified, disabling these features is considered the safest option.
The IT department also advised members to apply similar caution to personal devices used for work related tasks. Staff were instructed to avoid exposing emails, internal documents, or sensitive data to AI features that scan or analyze content. Extra care is recommended when using third party AI applications, including limiting the permissions granted to these services.
These actions reflect broader trends in European cybersecurity policy, where institutions are increasingly scrutinizing the use of software tools that handle sensitive data. In some cases, organizations are replacing foreign tools with domestic or European alternatives to ensure stronger control over data privacy.
Implications for AI Use in Work Environments
The decision by the European Parliament disables AI features highlights the growing challenge of balancing technological convenience with cybersecurity and data protection. AI assistants can improve productivity by automating writing, summarizing, and information retrieval tasks. However, when these features transmit data externally, they may introduce security risks that organizations cannot fully control.
By temporarily turning off AI tools on work devices, the European Parliament aims to protect sensitive communications and maintain secure operations. The decision also signals to other organizations the importance of evaluating AI implementations for potential vulnerabilities. Institutions are encouraged to monitor how AI features interact with corporate or government networks and to develop policies that manage both efficiency and security risks.
Cybersecurity experts note that endpoint management, cloud access controls, and careful auditing of AI tools are critical steps for institutions seeking to integrate AI safely. The measures taken by the European Parliament provide a case study for other organizations on the importance of proactive security management.
As AI technology continues to evolve, organizations will need to continually assess the security and data handling practices of both built-in and third-party AI applications. The approach taken by the European Parliament disables AI features emphasizes caution, monitoring, and controlled deployment as key strategies for safeguarding sensitive data while exploring AI capabilities.
