Viktor Orbán’s plan to use facial recognition systems against participants in pride events would violate the EU’s AI Act, according to EU rules expert Dr. Laura Caroli. The Hungarian government’s proposed amendment aims to ban pride events, citing a conflict with the Child Protection Act.
However, the EU’s AI Act prohibits live facial recognition for public gatherings, including pride parades. Orbán’s party argued that this would “run contrary” to the prohibitions set under the Child Protection Act, but Caroli disagrees. She states that even national security reasons or claims of terrorism would not exempt Hungary from violating the EU AI Act.
MEP Daniel Freund has condemned the decision, calling it a move towards autocratic rule and an erosion of democratic values. He urges the EU to respond and stop transferring funds to Orbán’s regime.
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee warned that this amendment would violate personal data protection rights for those participating in pride events. The enforcement of the AI Act is ultimately up to Hungary’s authorities, but other EU member states can object if they choose.
As the rules on prohibited AI practices entered into force on February 2, concerns over the use of facial recognition software against pride parade participants continue to grow.
Source: https://www.euractiv.com/section/tech/news/hungarys-use-of-facial-recognition-violates-eu-ai-act