Europol calls for fast-tracked AI tools approval process

Europol is seeking a fast-tracked legal procedure to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools quickly to combat serious crime. Deputy Executive Director Jürgen Ebner told Politico that criminals are enjoying "the time of their life" with the malicious use of AI, while police are slowed by legal checks.

Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), law enforcement authorities must conduct data protection and fundamental rights assessments, which can delay the use of crucial AI tools by up to eight months. Ebner argued that speeding up this compliance process is "an absolute essential" in "emergency" situations, particularly where there is a "threat to life." However, Ebner went on to clarify that implementing an expedited process would not bypass AI red lines such as live facial recognition. The European Commission plans to propose legislation to strengthen Europol in the second quarter of 2026.

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