EU Bans AI Agents from Official Online Meetings

The European Commission has banned AI-powered virtual assistants from participating in its online meetings, marking its first formal restriction on the emerging technology, Politico reported. The rule, introduced during a digital policy meeting earlier this month, explicitly states “No AI Agents are allowed” in e-meetings. While the Commission declined to detail its rationale, the move contrasts with growing corporate adoption of autonomous AI agents—software capable of multitasking, note-taking, and representing users in virtual environments.

Leading tech firms like OpenAI (with Operator), Microsoft (Copilot), and France’s Mistral are advancing such tools, which operate under predefined rules but require oversight under the EU’s AI Act. The ban precedes potential legislation on algorithmic management, as the EU explores broader governance for AI in workplaces.

The decision reflects caution amid rapid AI integration, even as the Commission’s March policy acknowledged agents as key to future “virtual environments.” For now, Brussels prioritizes human-only interactions in official settings.