- Internal email reveals EU Parliament has banned AI tools due to cloud processing
- “Some of these functions use cloud services to perform tasks that could be handled locally”
- Workers also urged caution when using personal devices and artificial intelligence for work tasks.
The European Parliament has disabled artificial intelligence features built into the devices it provides to its employees due to cybersecurity and data protection concerns.
An internal memo cited by political It said the IT department could not guarantee the security of certain AI tools, particularly those that rely on cloud services that send data off the device instead of processing it locally.
While the European Parliament is said to be evaluating the scope of data shared with service providers to potentially re-enable some AI tools, they have been disabled for now.
European Parliament bans AI over data security concerns
“Some of these features use cloud services to perform tasks that could be handled locally, sending data from the device,” the letter reads, suggesting that current tools could be more secure.
Although access to generative AI tools has been cut off for now, the European Parliament has not cut off access to basic workplace tools such as emails, calendars and office applications. Parliament also did not mention what AI features or systems are involved.
While the data security argument has merit, European officials have also stepped up efforts to turn their backs on American Big Tech, including Microsoft. A company that happens to offer operating systems, productivity and artificial intelligence software to European officials. Could technological sovereignty also play a role in banning AI?
The support service also asked workers to “consider applying similar precautions” on their personal devices, including “avoiding[ing[ granting broad access to data” and not sharing sensitive info with AI chatbots.
A European Parliament spokesperson told Politico it “constantly monitor[s] threats to cybersecurity and quickly deploy the necessary measures to prevent them.”
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