The European Union’s landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, which aims to regulate AI technologies and protect citizens from potential harms, is under scrutiny as several EU governments have lobbied for expanded surveillance powers. Internal documents obtained by Investigate Europe reveal that countries such as France, Italy, Sweden, Lithuania, and Hungary have successfully pushed for provisions in the law that allow AI-powered surveillance systems to be used more broadly by law enforcement, particularly for national security purposes.
While the AI Act is designed to foster trust in AI and promote innovation, as stated by Lucilla Sioli, head of the European Commission’s AI Office, digital rights advocates have raised alarms. They argue that the Act, while well-intentioned, could inadvertently enable mass surveillance and the unchecked use of AI against citizens, particularly due to loopholes that may be exploited by governments.
Key amendments, revealed in behind-closed-doors meetings, include provisions allowing police to use AI surveillance in public spaces for national security and the use of real-time facial recognition software in prisons and border zones. Additionally, several EU states have successfully lobbied to expand the use of AI surveillance for a broad range of criminal investigations, including environmental crimes.
These amendments will come into effect as part of the second phase of the AI Act’s implementation, set for 2 February. As the regulation takes shape, there is growing concern that it may compromise privacy and civil liberties under the guise of national security and law enforcement needs.
Ai-Surveillance-picture by-Freepik
