Hungary's Plan to Use Facial Recognition Against Pride Events Violates EU AI Act
Viktor Orbán's plan to use facial recognition to suppress pride events in Hungary violates the EU's AI Act. The Act largely prohibits real-time facial recognition for policing, with exceptions for national security or terrorism. Orbán's proposed amendment to the Child Protection Act bans pride events and allows police to use facial recognition to identify attendees. Dr. Laura Caroli, who negotiated the EU AI rules, confirms this use is explicitly prohibited. Even claiming national security wouldn't justify it. The ban, effective February 2nd, has drawn fierce criticism. MEP Daniel Freund called it reminiscent of Russia or China, urging the EU to halt funding to Orbán's regime. The Hungarian Helsinki Committee highlights violations of data protection rights. While enforcement rests with Hungarian authorities, other member states can oppose such measures. The practical application of the AI Act will take time, leaving room for such abuses in the interim.