British News Agency

Europol Deputy Director Jürgen Ebner said, “Criminals are having the time of their lives using AI maliciously, while police officers within Europol are struggling with legal restrictions when trying to use new technology.”

Under EU law, authorities must undergo data protection and fundamental rights assessments. Ebner said these reviews could delay the use of AI by up to eight months, adding that speeding up the process could make a difference in “life-threatening” and time-sensitive situations.

In recent years, the European police agency has expanded its technological capabilities—from processing big data to decrypting communications between criminals. In a world where AI is rapidly increasing cybercrime, authorities are eager to “fight fire with fire.” However, academics and activists have repeatedly voiced concerns about giving law enforcement unrestricted freedom to use AI technologies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to more than double Europol’s staff, turning it into a powerful hub to combat criminal organizations that “move constantly between the physical and digital worlds.” According to the Commission’s latest work program, this will be presented as a legislative proposal in the second quarter of 2026 to strengthen Europol.

Speaking at the recent meeting of data protection experts from European police agencies held in Malta, Ebner said it was “absolutely necessary” to establish an accelerated procedure that would allow law enforcement to use AI tools in “emergency” cases without following a “very complex compliance process.”

The assessment of the impact of AI tools on data protection and fundamental rights is mandatory under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Artificial Intelligence Act. Ebner said these processes can take six to eight months.

Jürgen Ebner explained that a faster emergency procedure would not cross AI’s “red lines,” such as profiling or real-time facial recognition.

Under the EU AI Act, law enforcement agencies already enjoy several exemptions. According to the rules, the use of real-time facial recognition in public spaces is prohibited, but EU member states can allow exceptions, particularly for the most serious crimes.