European Parliament blocks AI on lawmakers' devices, citing security risks

The European Parliament has blocked its lawmakers from using the artificial intelligence tools built into their work devices. Officials cited cybersecurity and privacy risks from uploading confidential correspondence to the cloud. An email reviewed by Politico from the parliament's information technology department said the security of data uploaded to the servers of artificial intelligence companies could not be assured. The message added that the full extent of information shared with these companies remains under assessment. As a result, it stated that it is considered safer to keep such features disabled. Uploading data to chatbots from providers such as Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI means United States authorities can require the companies to turn over details about users. These systems also use provided information to improve their models. This practice heightens the possibility that sensitive material from one user could become accessible to others. The restrictions come as several European Union member countries reassess their relationships with United States technology giants. These firms remain subject to United States law and the demands of the Trump administration. In recent weeks the United States Department of Homeland Security has issued hundreds of subpoenas seeking information from technology and social media companies about individuals critical of administration policies, with some companies complying.