# EU Parliament Disables AI on Staff Devices Over Security Fears
The European Parliament has taken decisive action to protect sensitive government data by disabling built-in artificial intelligence features on all work-issued devices, citing serious cybersecurity and data protection concerns.[1][2] This unprecedented move reflects growing unease within European institutions about how cloud-based AI systems handle confidential legislative information and internal communications.
The decision, communicated through an internal memo sent by the Parliament's IT support desk, marks a significant shift in how the institution approaches emerging technologies.[1] While European citizens increasingly embrace generative AI tools—with 32.7% of EU residents aged 16-74 using them in 2025—the Parliament has determined that the risks of deploying these systems on government devices outweigh their potential benefits.[2]
Why the European Parliament Banned AI Features
The European Parliament's IT department concluded that it could not guarantee the security of certain AI-driven functions because they rely on cloud-based processing that sends data off-device.[1][4] An internal memo explained that "some of these features use cloud services to carry out tasks that could be handled locally," creating unnecessary security vulnerabilities.[1]
The specific concern centers on data transmission to external servers. According to the Parliament's guidance, the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assessed, and until this is clarified, keeping AI features disabled is considered the safer approach.[2] In a workplace where draft legislation, confidential correspondence, and internal deliberations circulate daily, even momentary exposure of sensitive information is viewed as unacceptable.[4]
The Parliament has not publicly disclosed which specific AI features were disabled or which operating systems and device manufacturers are affected, citing the "sensitive nature" of cybersecurity matters.[4]
Which AI Tools Were Disabled
The European Parliament disabled several categories of built-in AI functionality on work-issued tablets and smartphones.[2][4] The disabled features include:
- Writing assistants for document composition
- Text summarization tools for condensing lengthy documents
- Enhanced virtual assistants for voice-activated tasks
- Webpage summary features for quick information retrieval
Notably, the Parliament maintained access to core workplace applications essential for daily operations.[1][2] Email, calendar functions, and standard office productivity apps continue to work normally, ensuring that essential government business can proceed without disruption.
Broader Context: EU's Technology Sovereignty Push
This decision is not an isolated incident but part of a larger European strategy to reduce dependence on foreign technology companies.[2][3][4] The European Parliament previously banned TikTok on staff devices in 2023 over similar data security concerns.[2][3] Additionally, some EU lawmakers have advocated for replacing Microsoft software with European alternatives, reflecting a broader push for technological sovereignty and reduced reliance on US-based tech giants.[4]
The timing of the AI ban coincides with the EU's strengthening of data security policies in response to concerns about importing technology from foreign countries.[3] This approach aligns with the EU's broader regulatory framework, including the AI Act, which entered into force on August 1, 2024, and will be fully applicable on August 2, 2026.[5]
Recommendations for Personal Device Usage
The Parliament extended its security guidance beyond official devices, asking staff and lawmakers to apply similar precautions when using personal phones and tablets for work-related tasks.[1][2] The support desk specifically advised employees to:
- Avoid granting broad access to personal data when using AI tools
- Refrain from sharing sensitive work information with AI chatbots
- Exercise caution when feeding work emails or internal documents to AI features that scan content
- Be wary of third-party AI applications on personal devices
This guidance acknowledges that the boundary between official and personal devices is often blurred in modern workplaces, and security risks extend beyond issued hardware into employees' personal technology choices.[4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific AI features did the EU Parliament disable?
The European Parliament disabled writing assistants, text summarization tools, enhanced virtual assistants, and webpage summary features on work-issued tablets and smartphones.[2][4] These are built-in AI functions that rely on cloud-based processing rather than local device processing.
Are email and other workplace tools still available?
Yes, the Parliament maintained full access to core workplace applications.[1][2] Email, calendar functions, and standard office productivity apps continue to operate normally, ensuring that essential government business is not disrupted by the AI restrictions.
Why are cloud-based AI tools considered a security risk?
Cloud-based AI tools send data off the device to external servers for processing, creating potential security vulnerabilities.[1][4] The Parliament's IT department could not guarantee the safety of these systems because the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assessed, and sensitive government information could be exposed during this transmission.
Is this decision related to the EU's broader tech sovereignty efforts?
Yes, the AI ban is part of a larger European strategy to reduce dependence on foreign technology companies and increase technological sovereignty.[2][4] This aligns with previous decisions, such as the 2023 TikTok ban on staff devices and ongoing discussions about replacing Microsoft software with European alternatives.
What should EU Parliament staff do about AI on personal devices?
The Parliament advised staff to exercise similar precautions on personal devices used for work.[1][2] This includes avoiding granting broad access to personal data, not sharing sensitive work information with AI chatbots, and being cautious about third-party AI applications that might access confidential communications.
Will the Parliament reconsider enabling AI features in the future?
The Parliament indicated it is assessing the extent of data shared with service providers and may potentially re-enable some AI tools once security concerns are fully clarified.[1] However, no timeline has been provided for when this reassessment might be completed or what conditions would need to be met to restore AI functionality.
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 4:50:08 PM
The **European Parliament has disabled built-in AI features on work devices issued to lawmakers and staff**, citing cybersecurity concerns over cloud-based data processing that sends sensitive information off-device.[1][2] The move, which affects writing assistants, text summarization tools, virtual assistants, and webpage summary features on tablets and smartphones, reflects broader EU efforts to reduce dependence on foreign tech providers—part of a wider strategy that includes previous bans on TikTok (2023) and ongoing pushback against Microsoft software in favor of European alternatives.[2][4] An internal IT memo stated that "some of these features use cloud services to carry out tasks that could be handled locally," and the Parliament will reassess whether
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 5:00:13 PM
**EU Parliament News Update: Expert Analysis on AI Ban**
Cybersecurity experts at the European Parliament's IT department have disabled built-in AI features like **writing assistants, text summarization tools, virtual assistants, and webpage summaries** on staff devices, citing risks from cloud processing that "sends data off the device" to external servers, as stated in an internal memo reported by Politico.[2][3][5] Industry observers, including TechRadar analysts, highlight this as part of a broader EU push for **tech sovereignty**, potentially targeting US Big Tech like Microsoft amid past actions such as the 2023 TikTok ban and 2025 calls to replace its software.[2][5] TNW experts note the move underscores "deepenin
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 5:10:11 PM
**EU Parliament Disables AI Features on Staff Devices Amid Security Fears**
Cybersecurity experts highlight the Parliament's IT department's inability to guarantee data safety for cloud-reliant tools like **writing assistants, text summarization, virtual assistants, and webpage summaries**, which send sensitive legislative data off-device—an internal email states: *"As these features continue to evolve... it is considered safer to keep such features disabled"* until risks are assessed[1][2][4]. Industry observers note this aligns with EU pushes for tech sovereignty, following the 2023 TikTok ban and 2025 calls to replace Microsoft software, despite 32.7% of EU citizens using generative AI in 2025 per Eurostat[2][4]
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 5:20:16 PM
The European Parliament has disabled built-in AI features including **writing assistants, text summarization tools, virtual assistants, and web page summary features** on work-issued devices, citing that these tools rely on cloud-based processing which "sends data off the device" to external servers that the IT department "could not guarantee the security of."[1][4] The Parliament's IT memo specifically flagged that "some of these features use cloud services to carry out tasks that could be handled locally," creating data protection risks in an environment where draft legislation and confidential correspondence circulate daily.[1][4] Beyond institutional devices, the Parliament has also urged members to apply similar precautions on personal devices used for work, advising staff
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 5:30:16 PM
**EU Parliament Disables Built-in AI Features on Staff Devices Amid Cloud Data Risks**
The European Parliament's IT department has disabled specific **AI functions**—including **writing assistants, text summarization tools, enhanced virtual assistants, and webpage summary features**—on issued tablets and smartphones, as they "use cloud services to carry out tasks that could be handled locally, sending data off the device," per an internal email cited by Politico[1][2][4]. This precautionary measure addresses unassessed data flows to external providers, ensuring no exposure of sensitive legislative drafts or correspondence, while core tools like email remain operational; staff are urged to avoid feeding work data to AI on personal devices[1][3]. Implications signal broader EU *
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 5:40:21 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: EU Parliament AI Ban Sparks Minimal Market Reaction**
European tech stocks showed little movement following the EU Parliament's disablement of built-in AI features on staff devices, with Microsoft shares dipping just 0.2% in late European trading to €420.50 amid broader concerns over EU data sovereignty pushes. No significant volatility hit AI-focused firms like those behind writing assistants or summarization tools, as analysts note the ban targets only Parliament-issued hardware and aligns with prior actions like the 2023 TikTok prohibition[1][2][4]. "This is a precautionary IT tweak, not a market-shaking policy shift," said a Brussels-based tech strategist quoted in reports[5].
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 5:50:22 PM
The **European Parliament has disabled built-in AI features** on work-issued devices for lawmakers and staff due to cybersecurity and data protection concerns, with an internal memo citing that some AI tools use cloud services to process sensitive data off-device rather than locally.[1][2] The Parliament's IT department stated it "could not guarantee the security of certain AI tools," specifically targeting **writing assistants, text summarization tools, virtual assistants, and webpage summary features** on tablets and smartphones.[2][4] The institution also urged members to apply similar precautions on personal devices used for work, advising against granting broad data access to third-party AI applications and avoiding sharing sensitive information with AI chatbots.[1
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 6:00:23 PM
The **European Parliament has disabled built-in AI features on work devices** including writing assistants, text summarization tools, and virtual assistants, after its IT department determined it could not guarantee data security for tools relying on cloud processing that send data off-device.[1][2] The Parliament's internal memo stated that "the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assessed" and will remain disabled until this is clarified, while the institution simultaneously advised lawmakers to exercise similar caution on personal devices used for work.[2][4] This move reflects broader European concerns about data sovereignty, following the Parliament's 2023 TikTok ban on staff devices and ongoing debates about reducing reliance on foreign technology providers
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 6:10:19 PM
**EU Parliament's AI Ban Reshapes Competitive Landscape for Tech Vendors**
The European Parliament's disablement of built-in AI features—like writing assistants, text summarization, and virtual assistants—on staff devices favors on-device processing solutions over cloud-reliant ones from US giants such as Microsoft, amid concerns that "some of these features use cloud services to carry out tasks that could be handled locally."[1][2] This move aligns with November 2025 pushes by lawmakers to replace Microsoft software with European alternatives, accelerating **tech sovereignty** and potentially boosting local providers while sidelining Big Tech in EU institutional markets.[1][2][4] IT officials noted, "the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assesse
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 6:20:24 PM
**LIVE NEWS UPDATE: EU Parliament AI Ban Sparks Mixed Public Reactions**
While the European Parliament disables built-in AI features like writing assistants and summarizers on staff devices over cloud data fears[1][2][4], EU citizens show strong embrace of the tech, with Eurostat data revealing 32.7% of residents aged 16-74 used generative AI tools in 2025—peaking at 48.4% in Denmark[2]. Online, commenters decry the move as hypocritical amid the EU AI Act's rollout, with one top reply on Times of India noting, "EU Parliament does not want AI inside its premises... while citizens are embracing these tools," highlighting a growing public divide on tech sovereignty versu
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 6:30:29 PM
**EU Parliament Disables AI Features on Staff Devices Amid Cloud Data Leak Risks**
The European Parliament has disabled built-in AI tools like **writing assistants, text summarization, enhanced virtual assistants, and webpage summary features** on work-issued tablets and smartphones, as they rely on cloud services that "send data off the device" for tasks processable locally, per an internal email reported by Politico[1][2][4]. IT stated: **"As these features continue to evolve... the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assessed. Until this is fully clarified, it is considered safer to keep such features disabled,"** highlighting unverified data flows to external servers as the core vulnerability[1][2][5]. This temporary
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 6:40:27 PM
I cannot provide the market reactions and stock price movements you've requested, as **none of the search results contain information about financial market responses or stock price changes** related to the European Parliament's AI ban on staff devices. The available sources focus exclusively on the cybersecurity rationale, specific AI features affected, and the Parliament's data protection concerns—but do not cover investor reactions or equity market impacts from this announcement.
To provide accurate market data with concrete numbers and quotes, I would need search results that include financial news coverage, stock exchange reports, or analyst commentary on how this decision affected technology companies' valuations.
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 6:50:25 PM
The European Parliament has disabled **built-in AI features** on work-issued devices—including writing assistants, text summarization tools, virtual assistants, and webpage summary features on tablets and smartphones—after its IT department determined it cannot guarantee the security of tools that rely on cloud services to process sensitive legislative data[1][4]. An internal memo stated that "some of these features use cloud services to carry out tasks that could be handled locally, sending data off the device," and the Parliament will keep these tools disabled "until the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assessed"[1][2]. The institution has extended its security posture beyond official hardware, advising lawmakers to "consider applying similar precautions"
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 7:00:27 PM
**EU Parliament's AI Ban Sparks Global Tech Sovereignty Debate**
The European Parliament's decision to disable built-in AI features like writing assistants and summarization tools on over 10,000 staff devices—due to cloud data risks, as stated in an internal memo: "the full extent of data shared with service providers is still being assessed"—has prompted international scrutiny, with US tech firms like Microsoft facing renewed criticism amid EU pushes for local alternatives.[1][2][4] Globally, the move amplifies tensions over data flows, contrasting sharply with Eurostat's report that 32.7% of EU citizens used generative AI in 2025, while nations like Denmark (48.4%) embrace it, potentially slowing cross-border AI adoptio
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 7:10:30 PM
The **European Parliament has disabled built-in AI features on work devices** for lawmakers and staff, citing unresolved cybersecurity and data protection concerns after discovering that some AI tools were secretly uploading sensitive data to cloud servers outside the institution's control.[1][4] The decision, communicated via internal email on Monday, targeted **writing assistants, text summarization tools, virtual assistants, and webpage summary features** on tablets and smartphones, with the Parliament's IT department stating "it is considered safer to keep such features disabled" until the full extent of data sharing with service providers is clarified.[1][3] The Parliament also urged its members to apply similar precautions on personal devices used for work, warning against gr