Why the Suspension Happened
The internal review found insufficient transparency about how major AI models handle queries and documents submitted by users. Parliamentary sources cited concerns that data flows to external servers could expose sensitive information to unauthorized access or use it for model training without consent.
The assessment concluded that AI providers have not provided concrete assurances about data processing locations, retention periods, or safeguards against secondary use of parliamentary information. This uncertainty creates compliance risks under GDPR, which requires organizations to document how personal data is processed and prevent unauthorized transfers outside the European Economic Area.
What’s Affected
The suspension targets AI assistants built into common workplace software and device operating systems. While specific products were not publicly named, the ban applies to any integrated AI feature that sends data to third-party servers for processing. Parliamentary IT systems continue operating normally, with the restriction limited to generative AI capabilities.
Members and staff cannot use AI writing assistants, summarization tools, or other automated features that rely on external language models until providers demonstrate GDPR compliance. The restriction does not affect AI tools that process data entirely on local devices without external server communication.
Compliance Requirements
The Parliament is requiring AI vendors to provide detailed documentation on:
- Geographic locations of data processing servers
- Data retention and deletion policies
- Guarantees that user inputs will not train commercial models
- Technical measures preventing unauthorized access
- Compliance certifications aligned with EU privacy standards
Technology companies are negotiating with Parliament officials to address these requirements. The institution has not set a public deadline for compliance verification, though sources indicate discussions are ongoing with multiple vendors.
Policy Context
The decision carries symbolic weight given Parliament’s role drafting the EU AI Act, which establishes transparency and risk management requirements for AI systems across member states. By suspending its own AI tool usage, Parliament applies the same scrutiny to technologies it regulates publicly.
- The move follows similar data protection concerns that have led organizations worldwide to restrict generative AI access. Italy’s data protection authority temporarily banned ChatGPT in March 2023 over GDPR violations, while several government agencies in Germany, Canada, and Australia have imposed usage restrictions pending privacy reviews.
What Happens Next
The suspension remains until AI providers satisfy Parliament’s data protection requirements. Once vendors submit compliance documentation, the institution’s data protection officer will evaluate whether the safeguards meet GDPR standards and internal security policies.
If providers cannot demonstrate adequate protections, the ban could extend indefinitely or prompt Parliament to seek alternative AI solutions that process data within EU-controlled infrastructure. The outcome may influence how other European institutions approach generative AI adoption, particularly for handling sensitive government information.
Parliamentary officials emphasized the suspension is a risk mitigation measure rather than a permanent ban. The institution remains open to AI tool deployment once vendors establish verifiable privacy protections and transparent data handling practices.
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