Hungary Biometric Laws Breach EU AI Act, Group Says

Hungary’s newly enacted biometric surveillance laws contravene the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, according to European Digital Rights (EDRi), a civil rights group focused on digital freedoms. The organization argues that the legislation enables the use of invasive surveillance technologies that may infringe on fundamental rights, particularly the rights to privacy and freedom of assembly.

EDRi warns that the deployment of such biometric systems—potentially including facial recognition—could deter individuals from participating in public demonstrations or other forms of peaceful protest. This, the group says, undermines public trust in democratic institutions and weakens civic engagement.

The criticism comes amid growing scrutiny over the use of artificial intelligence and biometric data by governments across the EU. EDRi contends that Hungary’s laws not only sidestep EU-level safeguards but also set a troubling precedent for civil liberties in the region. The group has called for urgent action to ensure compliance with the AI Act’s human rights standards.